Secret Meadow An Interview With Negar Sepehr

In the interview “Secret Meadow: An Interview with Negar Sepehr,” Iranian artist Negar Sepehr discusses her journey from mechanical engineering to full-time artistry, highlighting the challenges of pursuing art in a society where it is not traditionally recognized as a profession. Influenced by her father, a civil engineer and art enthusiast, Sepehr began with traditional painting, incorporating Persian motifs and calligraphy to address themes of women’s rights and freedom. Her transition to digital art, particularly through AI tools, allowed her to explore new techniques and develop a distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors and patterns. Sepehr’s work often focuses on minorities, reflecting her experiences in a country where women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights have been historically overlooked. (blog.objkt.com)

Sepehr’s latest series, “Secret Meadow,” exhibited at Colonna Contemporary gallery on objkt.com, delves into the subconscious, inspired by a dream about a meadow. She views dreams as connections to our hidden hopes and fears, aiming to inspire viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty in overlooked moments. Her creative process involves generating numerous images using AI, selecting and digitally stitching them together, and post-processing with graphics software to align with her vision. Sepehr’s distinctive color palette serves as a language to express her feelings, deeply rooted in her Persian heritage and years of painting experience. (blog.objkt.com)

Sepehr’s exploration of vibrant colors and patterns to convey deep emotional and cultural narratives finds resonance in several digital artworks. For instance, Estelle Flores’ “Screen People 3 #9” features a central figure seated in an orange outfit against a boldly patterned background, juxtaposing interior introspection with external spectacle. The vibrant color palette and eclectic patterns create a surreal environment, inviting viewers to question the nature of reality and media. (blog.objkt.com)

Similarly, Daniel Myth’s “Spell in the astral, searching for reason” employs swirling lines and expressive faces to explore the subconscious. The vivid, almost psychedelic color scheme and fluid shapes suggest movement and vitality, echoing Sepehr’s use of color to express complex emotions and cultural themes.

Niko Princen’s “Art and Chairs” juxtaposes minimalist gallery settings with functional seating, prompting reflection on the boundaries between art and everyday life. The subdued color palette and textured surfaces create a dialogue between functionality and artistry, paralleling Sepehr’s blending of traditional motifs with modern techniques to challenge societal norms.

Dehiscence Collage’s “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are” presents a layered portrait with graffiti and tattoo motifs, reflecting personal struggles and societal messages. The bold colors and varied textures convey a raw, emotive impact, aligning with Sepehr’s focus on minorities and overlooked narratives.

Lastly, lilpup’s “MYTHEK” features a simplified human face with bold outlines and vivid colors, evoking themes of identity and myth. The abstract, childlike quality and contrasting colors resonate with Sepehr’s use of color as a language to express feelings and cultural heritage.

These artworks, like Sepehr’s, utilize vibrant colors, patterns, and emotive elements to explore cultural themes and personal narratives, inviting viewers to engage with complex identities and societal reflections.

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References

Source Article

https://blog.objkt.com/post/secret-meadow-an-interview-with-negar-sepehr

Artworks

1. “Screen People 3 #9” by Estelle Flores
   

   

   
   Observing

2. “Spell in the astral, searching for reason” by Daniel myth
   

   

   
   The Myth 2023

3. “Art and Chairs” by Niko Princen
   

   

   
   Animated Gif, 600 x 370 px, 2 frames, 2014

4. “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.” by Dehiscence Collage
   

   

   
   Each graffiti style element within this series represents an aspect of the artists life. It’s not random graffiti, it all has meaning and significance within the context of each piece. The title of each artwork is a quote by the artist. Kurt Cobain (b.1967 - d.1994) lead singer and guitarist for American rock band, Nirvana. Considered to be one of the most influential musicians in Alternative rock. Cobain openly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and openly decried homophobia, racism and misogyny. He was married to Courtney Love and they had a daughter, Frances Bean. During the last years of his life he struggled with depression and heroin addiction. Kurt Cobain died by suicide at the age of 27. By @dehiscenceart 2020 Minted January, 2022 *Please note, the physical artwork is also available. 18 X 24 mixed media collage on cradled wood panel. Please DM me on twitter @dehiscenceart, for additional information.

5. “MYTHEK” by lilpup
   

   

   
   OF MYTH

6. “Screen People 3 #11” by Estelle Flores
   

   

   
   Birthing

7. “sunrise over an alien ocean filled with strange clouds, dolphin like creatures, robots, rainbow colors, pixel art” by Museum of Wild & Newfangled Art, cha‿
   

   

   
   Artist: cha sunrise over an alien ocean filled with strange clouds, dolphin like creatures, robots, rainbow colors, pixel art 20240719_101527-ANIMATION-c5-1200x1200.gif This artwork was exhibited in the mowna x TS - Wild Newfangled Techspressionism exhibition, from October 3, 2024 through January 26, 2025 at mowna.org.

8. “Screen People 3 #37” by Estelle Flores
   

   

   
   Waiting

9. “Pour One Out” by Venta
   

   

   
   🫗 2024 Digital painting

10. “Woman cutting off her husband’s head in front of their son” by Vuuuuueeno
    

    

    
    #6 - Inspired by Caravaggio‘s “Judith Beheading Holofernes“ Innocence was already lost The revolutionary flame grew with the air of freedom

Keywords

vibrant, patterned, emotive, cultural