Shabnam K. Ghazi stands as a remarkable figure in the contemporary art world, weaving a rich tapestry of accomplishments that span continents and cultures. This multidisciplinary artist, with deep Iranian roots, has garnered significant recognition for her innovative work in weaving, printmaking, and mixed media. Ghazi`s artistic journey is marked by prestigious grants from the Ontario Arts Council in 2015 and 2017, a testament to her impactful contributions to Ontario`s vibrant art scene. Her solo exhibitions, “Once Upon A Time in Tehran” (2018) and “I`ve Run Every Red Light on Memory Lane” (2021) at the renowned Olga Korper Gallery, showcased her mastery in exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural heritage. Ghazi`s work has been acquired by notable collections, including the TD Bank Corporate Art Collection, and has been featured in high-profile exhibitions such as “Ad Infinitum” at the 13th Havana Biennial. Her participation in the DECADE exhibition at Koffler Gallery (2024) further solidified her position as a key figure shaping Toronto`s contemporary art landscape over the past decade. Through her art, Ghazi continues to bridge cultures, challenge perceptions, and create visual narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Interviewer: Shabnam, thank you for joining us today. Your work beautifully blends Iranian roots with Indian cultural influences. Can you tell us how this connection began?
Shabnam K. Ghazi: Thank you for having me. My artistic journey has always been about exploring cultural connections. I’ve found a deep resonance with Indian culture, particularly its textile heritage and storytelling traditions. The similarities between Iranian and Indian artistic expressions have always fascinated me, and over time, these influences naturally found their way into my multidisciplinary practice.
Interviewer: Your work often draws parallels with Kalamkari. How does this Indian textile art influence your creative process?
Shabnam: Kalamkari’s intricate designs and storytelling inspire me deeply. Like Kalamkari artists, I use my work as a medium for preserving narratives. My weaving integrates themes of memory and identity, echoing the symbolic storytelling found in this celebrated Indian textile art. The way patterns evolve organically in Kalamkari mirrors my approach to layering visual elements, allowing each piece to carry its own evolving story.
Interviewer: The Silk Road plays a significant role in your artistic narrative. How does this historical trade route influence your work?
Shabnam: The Silk Road represents a tapestry of cultural exchange, a historical thread that connects my practice to Indian artistic traditions. This legacy of interconnectedness influences my work, inspiring me to weave together diverse aesthetics. Through weaving and printmaking, I celebrate the traditions that once traveled these routes, transforming them into contemporary narratives exploring memory, identity, and shared histories.
Interviewer: Memory seems to be a central theme in your art. How do you explore this concept through your work?
Shabnam: Memory is at the core of my practice, shaping both subject and medium. I explore the relationship between memory, identity, and cultural heritage—how they evolve and redefine one another. Through weaving, printmaking, and mixed media, I construct layered compositions that reflect the fluidity of memory, blurring the boundaries between personal recollections and collective histories.
Interviewer: Your printmaking technique is quite unique. Can you elaborate on how it relates to Indian storytelling traditions?
Shabnam: In my printmaking practice My printmaking employs intricate layering techniques to evoke a sense of time and narrative, much like the depth found in Kalamkari. Just as Indian tapestries weave stories through patterns, I transform raw materials into layered compositions exploring migration, belonging, and identity. Each print serves as a bridge between past and present, echoing Indian storytelling traditions that preserve history through symbolic imagery.
Interviewer: Your work seems to have a universal appeal. How do you see your art in the context of global artistic traditions?
Shabnam: I believe the universal appeal of my work lies in its deep connection to craftsmanship and storytelling—elements that transcend borders and resonate across cultures. By bridging my contemporary practice with the legacy of Indian tapestry traditions and the Silk Road’s rich history of artistic exchange, I seek to celebrate our shared creative heritage. My work becomes a space where diverse influences converge, uniting cultures while carving out a distinct voice in the global art scene.
Interviewer: Thank you, Shabnam, for sharing your artistic journey with us. Your work truly weaves a beautiful tapestry of cultural connections.
Shabnam: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts on art, memory, and cultural identity. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to discuss the connections that shape my work and the shared narratives that continue to inspire me.
