Internal world, external relations

Abstract

This Iranian-born artist with international recognition dissects with these pictorial works the idea of “Psycho-nationalism” which shows how national identity is built by the cherry-picking of existing characteristics. Born in Iran in 1977 Lida Sherafatmand lived life circumstances of war, revolution, and persecution, later on grew up as refugee dealing with statelessness, loss of wealth and poverty. Due to those experiences, she feels a responsibility in her artworks to contribute to her surroundings. As quoted in an interview with The Guardian her motto is: “The more I hear violent news, the more I paint gentle flowers.” Throughout the 20 years of career, this renowned artist has exhibited at Atrium Gallery, London School of Economics and Political Science in London, at Roerich Museum, in St Petersburg, Russia, at Tokyo International Art Fair and at Palais des Nations of the United Nations headquarter in Geneva, among others. In addition in 2018 she has been awarded fellowship "Artist in Residence" by HWK Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany, the Woman Art Award 2017, by Europe Art Awards and MUSA International Art Space in 2017, she was a finalist in Global Art Awards in Dubai in 2017/2018, also as "Artist for Peace" by the Association of World Citizens (AWC) at the United Nations in Geneva in 2010.