Soheila Sokhanvari: A Tapestry of Memory and Resistance
Soheila Sokhanvari is an Iranian-born British multidisciplinary visual artist whose work explores the intersection of personal memory, political history, and artistic technique. Born in Shiraz, Iran (1964), she embarked on a journey that spanned continents and disciplines, culminating in a distinctive artistic voice rooted in both Eastern traditions and Western experimentation. Her formative years instilled within her a profound appreciation for family photographs—a motif that consistently recurs throughout her oeuvre, serving as catalysts for narratives imbued with layered symbolism and emotional resonance.
- Early Life & Education: Sokhanvari’s upbringing in Shiraz provided an initial grounding in artistic sensibilities through her father's amateur painting practice and his profession as a tailor. At the age of 14, she relocated to the United Kingdom following the Iranian Revolution, prioritizing her studies at Cambridge University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. This scientific foundation would later inform her artistic explorations, fostering an analytical approach alongside a sensitivity for visual storytelling.
- Formal Artistic Training: Recognizing her passion for art beyond biochemistry, Sokhanvari pursued postgraduate degrees at Anglia Ruskin University and Chelsea College of Art & Design (now Chelsea College of Arts), honing her skills in fine art and art history. Her MFA from Goldsmiths College solidified her artistic vision and established her as a respected practitioner within the contemporary art landscape.
The Language of Memory: Drawing and Egg Tempera Paintings
Sokhanvari’s artistic style is characterized by meticulous drawing techniques combined with the enduring tradition of egg tempera painting on calf vellum. She meticulously grinds pigments herself, honoring the heritage of Persian miniature painting—a deliberate choice that underscores her commitment to craftsmanship and symbolic representation. Her drawings often depict scenes rooted in family photographs, transforming personal recollections into evocative narratives that grapple with themes of displacement, identity, and the enduring impact of historical events. The use of crude oil as a medium is particularly significant; it serves as a commentary on contemporary political concerns—specifically Iran’s relationship to oil wealth and its implications for societal values and freedoms. Sokhanvari employs magic realism – a stylistic approach that resists simplistic narratives by allowing slippage in meaning – mirroring the philosophical influence of William Morris, championing the Arts & Crafts Movement's ethos of handcrafted beauty and social responsibility.
Exploring Political Narratives Through Symbolism
Sokhanvari’s artistic explorations delve into complex political histories, particularly focusing on Iran before the 1979 revolution. She utilizes allegory and symbolism to convey nuanced perspectives on societal traumas and collective consciousness—themes that resonate across her diverse projects. Her work consistently examines the role of individual experience within broader historical contexts, questioning dominant narratives and advocating for alternative interpretations. The artist’s fascination with found objects – including taxidermy specimens and expired passports – adds another layer of conceptual depth to her practice, prompting viewers to contemplate notions of loss, remembrance, and the passage of time.
Recognition & Exhibitions
Sokhanvari's artistic achievements have garnered international acclaim. Her artwork is held in museum collections including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and National Gallery of Victoria. Notable exhibitions include retrospectives at Museum Frieder Burda, London solo presentations at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery and Tate Britain, collaborative projects with Wysing Arts Centre and immersive installations at Victoria Station. Furthermore, her work has been featured in publications such as *Contemporary Collecting*, showcasing her dedication to artistic innovation and engagement with pressing social issues.
- Notable Exhibitions: Retrospective, Museum Frieder Burda, Baden Baden, Germany (2027); Artist First, National Portrait Gallery, London, UK (2025); Leave to Remain, Tate Britain, London, UK (2025); Act 3. The Horse and the Power / Hesten og magten, Kunsthal Rønnebæksholm, Næstved, Denmark (2024); Contemporary Collecting: David Hockney to Cornelia Parker, British Museum, London (2024); Drawing Biennial (2024); Act 1: The Origin of the Horse / Hestens oprindelse, Kunsthal Rønnebæksholm, Næstved, Denmark (2024); A Spirit Inside*, travelling exhibition, Compton Verney, UK (2024); LDWN, installation at Victoria Station, London, a collaboration between the Tate Collective and City Hall (2018); Salam Salam*, Installation commissioned by the Magic of Persia Foundation (2018); Art Dubai, Dubai UAE (2018); Paradise Lost*, Jerwood Project Space, London (2017); Crossroads*, Art Fair, London (2016); Boogie Wonderland*, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2015); The Storyteller*, La Scatola Gallery, London (2011); Out of Sight,* St Pauls Gallery, Kettles Yard, Cambridge (2006).
Current Projects & Future Directions
Currently residing in Cambridge, Sokhanvari serves as an Associate Artist at Wysing Arts Centre, continuing her commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and experimentation. Her upcoming projects include collaborations with Kunsthal Rønnebæksholm and Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, furthering her exploration of themes related to identity, memory, and the role of art in confronting societal challenges.
