As a bi-national woman who spent half her life in Iran and the other half in America, expressing my unspoken words is both challenging and essential. My work explores the richness of Persian culture and the struggles of Iranian women, particularly after the 1979 revolution, which also marked a profound loss for the people of Iran, humanity, culture, and the environment.

In my painting series “I Am Woman,” each brushstroke channels the pain and strength of Iranian women, whose stories I strive to share with the world. Through my art, I aim to honor Persian heritage while fostering a more profound understanding and connection across cultures.

—Maryam Rohani Vakili