Memory and Presence

Artist Statement | Farnoosh Shahrokhi

I am an Iranian-Canadian artist, a creative educator, and a mother of two daughters. Born and raised in Iran and now living in Canada, my journey between two cultures has deeply shaped the way I see the world, express myself, and connect with others. My art is rooted in memory, identity, belonging, and the beautiful complexities of living between different cultures and traditions.

Growing up in Iran and building a new life in Canada have given me two different perspectives on culture, society, and personal freedom. As a woman, I have always been drawn to exploring questions of identity, social expectations, cultural traditions, and the role of women in society. The experiences and struggles of Iranian women, particularly their ongoing fight for freedom, equality, and the right to make choices about their own lives, remain a powerful inspiration behind my work. Through painting and digital media, I hope to share stories, challenge perceptions, and give visibility to voices that deserve to be heard.

My artistic practice explores the relationship between memory and presence, tradition and modernity, and the past and the present. I draw inspiration from the rich visual heritage of Persian culture, including the intricate patterns of Persian rugs, architectural details, and colourful mosaic tiles. By bringing these familiar memories into contemporary paintings and digital compositions, I create a dialogue between my cultural roots and my present experiences. I enjoy combining traditional and modern artistic languages, where simplicity meets complexity and the spiritual meets everyday life.

Becoming a mother brought another meaningful dimension to my creative journey. Through my two daughters, I began to rediscover the world with a new sense of wonder, curiosity, and imagination. Motherhood reminded me that creativity is not simply about making art; it is about discovering who we are, expressing our emotions, and finding our own voices.

This inspired me to extend my artistic practice beyond my own artwork and into the world of children's creativity and education. Through my children's books, art workshops, dance, and theatre programs, I bring together my love for art, storytelling, culture, and community. I believe every child carries a unique imagination and deserves the freedom and encouragement to explore it.

Today, my work connects two passions that are deeply personal to me: using art to explore identity and cultural memory, and nurturing creativity in the next generation.

Whether I am creating a painting, telling a story, or working with children, my hope remains the same: to inspire connection, encourage self-expression, celebrate cultural diversity, and create something meaningful that stays with people long after the moment has passed.

For me, art has always been more than what we create. It is a reflection of where we come from, who we are, and what we hope to leave behind.

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Exhibition

·   UBC graduate exhibition, Double Space in Audain Art Centre 

·   Nowrouz Exhibition, Caroun Art Gallery, North Vancouver 

·   Spring group exhibition, Caroun Art Gallery, North Van 

·   Summer group exhibition, Caroun Art Gallery, North Van 

·   CPC Photography exhibition, Caroun Art Gallery, 

·   Prizes:Two selected works,CPC 3rd digital photo contest 

·   Immigration photo contest, Northshore multicultural society