January 2020
INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION
Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi
INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION
Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi
Artist Statement
To me, art is game. While I wish there weren’t winners or losers, it’s clear that within the art-world there are people who are deemed successful (winners) and unsuccessful (losers). There are a number of variables, some legitimate and other spurious, which determine the trajectory of a contemporary artist.
Politics, gender, social standing, and ethnic background all play a large part in the evaluation of an artist’s work while other aspects go overlooked. I cannot help but feel that certain groups of artists are automatically categorized based on the aforementioned classifications. As a female artist who was born in Iran, a predominately-Muslim country known for violent dictators and discriminatory views towards women, I am forced to acknowledge my relationship to masculinity and the perception of individuals around the world. I wonder if it is possible for me to ‘win’; whether in life or the art-world. In an effort understand my situation, I have determined that sports, more specifically sports related imagery, are legitimate vehicles for exploring notions of ethnicity, gender, and politics within my work.
Historically, artists are often seen as a population that doesn’t follow sports. This is a gross generalization and, in my opinion, inaccurate. In addition to many artist following (or playing) sports, I see similarities between competitive athletes and artists. Both will often train in solidarity for a public performance(s) that are judged or evaluated by others, whether critic or layman. Whether intentional or not, this leads to scenarios where someone is determined successful (‘winner’) or unsuccessful (‘loser’). By putting myself at the center of the work and by focusing on the autobiographical, I am able to consider the political and personal views surrounding a young Muslim woman who lives with constant
uncertainty in the United States. I have arrived at a place where I now ask the following question: If I were to win (become successful), does the game end and will I have incentive to continue?
To me, art is game. While I wish there weren’t winners or losers, it’s clear that within the art-world there are people who are deemed successful (winners) and unsuccessful (losers). There are a number of variables, some legitimate and other spurious, which determine the trajectory of a contemporary artist.
Politics, gender, social standing, and ethnic background all play a large part in the evaluation of an artist’s work while other aspects go overlooked. I cannot help but feel that certain groups of artists are automatically categorized based on the aforementioned classifications. As a female artist who was born in Iran, a predominately-Muslim country known for violent dictators and discriminatory views towards women, I am forced to acknowledge my relationship to masculinity and the perception of individuals around the world. I wonder if it is possible for me to ‘win’; whether in life or the art-world. In an effort understand my situation, I have determined that sports, more specifically sports related imagery, are legitimate vehicles for exploring notions of ethnicity, gender, and politics within my work.
Historically, artists are often seen as a population that doesn’t follow sports. This is a gross generalization and, in my opinion, inaccurate. In addition to many artist following (or playing) sports, I see similarities between competitive athletes and artists. Both will often train in solidarity for a public performance(s) that are judged or evaluated by others, whether critic or layman. Whether intentional or not, this leads to scenarios where someone is determined successful (‘winner’) or unsuccessful (‘loser’). By putting myself at the center of the work and by focusing on the autobiographical, I am able to consider the political and personal views surrounding a young Muslim woman who lives with constant
uncertainty in the United States. I have arrived at a place where I now ask the following question: If I were to win (become successful), does the game end and will I have incentive to continue?
Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi was born in Tehran, Iran in 1989. Amiravghefi’s works are the mixed media medium of painting, video art, and sculpture pieces. She graduated from University of Arkansas School of Art with an MFA. She completed her BFA at the Sooreh Art University,
Tehran, Iran in 2013. She is currently working at the University of Arkansas School Of Art as an Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Instructor. She has had group shows in Tehran, South Korea, United Kingdom and USA. She curated two shows from Iranian and American young artist in Tehran. Iran and Fayetteville. USA. Her works have been published in Al- Tiba Magazine, New Media Art 2018, CICA Museum, WOTISART Art Magazine, Studio visit magazine and Average Art Magazine. She lives and works in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Tehran, Iran in 2013. She is currently working at the University of Arkansas School Of Art as an Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Instructor. She has had group shows in Tehran, South Korea, United Kingdom and USA. She curated two shows from Iranian and American young artist in Tehran. Iran and Fayetteville. USA. Her works have been published in Al- Tiba Magazine, New Media Art 2018, CICA Museum, WOTISART Art Magazine, Studio visit magazine and Average Art Magazine. She lives and works in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
For inquiries contact the artists directly:
Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi
https://www.instagram.com/marivaghefi/
https://www.maryamamirvaghefi.com
Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi
https://www.instagram.com/marivaghefi/
https://www.maryamamirvaghefi.com