"I explore how the self and notions of identity formation are understood in relation to landscape, space, and place. I reflect on the relationships that unfold between the self and the diverse landscapes that contribute to the formation of our identities; a paradoxical interplay where absence and presence intertwine as we move from place to place. I seek to challenge conventional notions of belonging by juxtaposing personal narratives with daily life. I aim to create artwork that plays between establishing a sense of home and connection, particularly after undergoing relocation.

Growing up in Tehran surrounded by mountains, I felt their constant companionship. However, upon moving to Gainesville; a city devoid of those familiar peaks, I found myself grappling with their absence. Despite the physical distance, the mountains of Tehran remain a part of me. I carry them with me in different ways, a symbolic act of preserving a piece of home in a new environment. This creates a complex situation where absence and presence combine, forging tangible memories of one’s past.

I explore how memories of my homeland become deeply ingrained within my identity, influencing my perceptions and interactions in new environments. My artworks aim to showcase how individuals are shaped by their surroundings and landscapes, underscoring the interconnectedness of personal experience and geographical context in the construction of identity. Through this exploration, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexity and fluidity of human identity in an ever-changing world."