Kiana Honarmand is an Iranian artist whose work delves into the complexities of her cultural identity, the violation of women's rights in Iran, and the Western perception of the SWANA identity. In 2012, she relocated to the United States to pursue her MFA at Penn State University. Currently based in the Bay Area, Kiana's work has been featured and reviewed in publications such as the Washington Post, Hyperallergic, and Voice of America. Kiana’s art has been exhibited in numerous renowned venues nationally and internationally. These include the Arts Commission Gallery, San Francisco, CA; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA; NUMU New Museum, Los Gatos, CA; VisArts, Rockville, MD; Moving Poets Novilla, Berlin, Germany; HAMZIANPOUR & KIA, Los Angeles, CA; Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA; Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL; Museum of Quilts and Textiles, San Jose, CA; Metal Museum, Memphis, TN; San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, CA; Lite-Haus Galerie, Berlin, Germany; and many others.
Published on March 3rd, 2024. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you working on these days?
I'm currently working on expanding the "Tapestry of Remembrance" series, a collection of woven photographs that serve as a tribute to my past memories in Iran. Through the interplay of visual and physical recollection, I aim to encapsulate memories in a tangible form. This process of deconstruction and reconstruction becomes a journey of self-realization, intertwining my identity as an artist, woman of color, and immigrant. The weaving patterns are inspired by Persian rugs, echoing the generations of women in my family who wove these rugs to support their families. These intricate motions not only paved the way for my existence but also feel woven into the fabric of my being. The distortion of the woven images also alludes to the distortion of memories across one's life and the preceding generations.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
2023 ended up being a busy year in the studio. The first half of the year was dedicated to completing a project for a solo exhibition at VisArts in Maryland called "A Shadow In the Depth of Light." This work focused on the Woman Life Freedom movement in Iran and featured a display of hundreds of 3D-printed hands, each bearing the name of a victim of the government's crackdown on protestors. The exhibition also included elements like a vinyl installation, mylar, and hair. In the latter part of the year, things stayed busy with a 3-person exhibition at a local museum and participation in several group exhibitions. As we approach the end of 2023, most of my deadlines are wrapped up, and I'm currently working on new applications, proposals, and planning for 2024.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
In life, it's important to recognize the transient nature of all experiences. The saying 'nothing lasts forever' encapsulates the essence of impermanence. Change is an intrinsic part of the human experience, and acknowledging its inevitability allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with a balanced perspective. During challenging moments, it's crucial to remember that tough times are not permanent fixtures. They will eventually subside, making way for new opportunities, growth, and resilience. Similarly, the moments of joy, though fleeting, leave us with cherished memories and serve as reminders of life's beauty.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
As an interdisciplinary and conceptually driven artist, my creative process typically begins with a thoughtful consideration of the materials, mediums, and processes that best align with the concept I have in mind. This initial phase involves a significant amount of experimentation, where I explore new territories, acquire fresh skills, and engage in trial and error. It's a dynamic process that allows me to 'play' and discover unexpected surprises that can often take the project in exciting new directions. Once I establish the basics of the project or process, I like to reach out to my community of artists and seek feedback through studio visits and conversations. This helps me gain insight into how other artists perceive my work. This valuable input helps refine and evolve my projects. After reaching a point where I'm satisfied with the results, I continue to create work, often organizing it into series.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
This year has allowed me to truly value the significance of belonging to an artist community. Starting in January of 2023, I transitioned to a new studio space as part of a long-term artist residency alongside 20 other talented artists. It has been a tremendous joy to embark on this creative journey surrounded by a community of artists who serve as not only peers and collaborators but also as valuable resources for assistance and feedback.
What are you working on these days?
I'm currently working on expanding the "Tapestry of Remembrance" series, a collection of woven photographs that serve as a tribute to my past memories in Iran. Through the interplay of visual and physical recollection, I aim to encapsulate memories in a tangible form. This process of deconstruction and reconstruction becomes a journey of self-realization, intertwining my identity as an artist, woman of color, and immigrant. The weaving patterns are inspired by Persian rugs, echoing the generations of women in my family who wove these rugs to support their families. These intricate motions not only paved the way for my existence but also feel woven into the fabric of my being. The distortion of the woven images also alludes to the distortion of memories across one's life and the preceding generations.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
2023 ended up being a busy year in the studio. The first half of the year was dedicated to completing a project for a solo exhibition at VisArts in Maryland called "A Shadow In the Depth of Light." This work focused on the Woman Life Freedom movement in Iran and featured a display of hundreds of 3D-printed hands, each bearing the name of a victim of the government's crackdown on protestors. The exhibition also included elements like a vinyl installation, mylar, and hair. In the latter part of the year, things stayed busy with a 3-person exhibition at a local museum and participation in several group exhibitions. As we approach the end of 2023, most of my deadlines are wrapped up, and I'm currently working on new applications, proposals, and planning for 2024.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
In life, it's important to recognize the transient nature of all experiences. The saying 'nothing lasts forever' encapsulates the essence of impermanence. Change is an intrinsic part of the human experience, and acknowledging its inevitability allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with a balanced perspective. During challenging moments, it's crucial to remember that tough times are not permanent fixtures. They will eventually subside, making way for new opportunities, growth, and resilience. Similarly, the moments of joy, though fleeting, leave us with cherished memories and serve as reminders of life's beauty.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
As an interdisciplinary and conceptually driven artist, my creative process typically begins with a thoughtful consideration of the materials, mediums, and processes that best align with the concept I have in mind. This initial phase involves a significant amount of experimentation, where I explore new territories, acquire fresh skills, and engage in trial and error. It's a dynamic process that allows me to 'play' and discover unexpected surprises that can often take the project in exciting new directions. Once I establish the basics of the project or process, I like to reach out to my community of artists and seek feedback through studio visits and conversations. This helps me gain insight into how other artists perceive my work. This valuable input helps refine and evolve my projects. After reaching a point where I'm satisfied with the results, I continue to create work, often organizing it into series.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
This year has allowed me to truly value the significance of belonging to an artist community. Starting in January of 2023, I transitioned to a new studio space as part of a long-term artist residency alongside 20 other talented artists. It has been a tremendous joy to embark on this creative journey surrounded by a community of artists who serve as not only peers and collaborators but also as valuable resources for assistance and feedback.