Q: What are the challenges you face as an emerging artist?

Art has been an inseparable part of my life since childhood. I grew up surrounded by creativity. Throughout my artistic journey, I have continuously sought growth, experimentation, and originality in my work. Over the years, I explored various artistic disciplines before ultimately finding my true voice in painting. Through my paintings, I seek to give visual form to the imagined worlds of my mind. I invite viewers to interpret these visions through their own personal perspectives.

As I began searching for opportunities to exhibit my work, I approached numerous galleries. Unfortunately, I found that emerging artists often receive limited attention and support. I was invited to several gallery interviews, but the discussions frequently focused on issues unrelated to the artworks themselves—such as exhibition fees or even the artist’s appearance. Rarely did they focus on the artistic concepts and creative process behind the work.

My paintings often received positive feedback. Even so, galleries frequently presented me with significant financial requirements as a condition for exhibiting my work.

The Broader Challenge for Emerging Artists

In my opinion, the art world does not give emerging artists the recognition and support they deserve. As a result, many emerging artists look beyond their local art scene and seek opportunities through international galleries. There, they often find a better chance to present their work and establish their artistic identity.

For any artist, passion drives the creative process. Naturally, artists also want to share that work with others. They wish to discover how audiences perceive, experience, and interpret the ideas embedded within each piece. However, the current realities of the art market and the challenges surrounding gallery exhibitions can be discouraging. This is especially true for those who are devoted to creating.

Every artist—especially an emerging artist—needs encouragement, visibility, and meaningful support. Such support not only helps artists continue their creative journey. It also opens new possibilities for the creation of original and innovative works that enrich the cultural landscape.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style? Why did you choose this approach, and why do you work with these materials?

A: Imagined worlds and Surrealism have always deeply fascinated me. I have been especially drawn to the fantastical landscapes and background art of Disney’s animated films. Alongside this passion, I developed extensive experience in Persian miniature painting. This experience eventually inspired me to devote my master’s research to this artistic tradition.

Through this research, I became especially drawn to the visual language of Persian miniature painting. I was particularly drawn to the twisting, intertwined trees and the rock formations that resemble human and animal figures. These motifs appear in the Second Tabriz School and the Mashhad School of the Safavid period. These elements are far more than decorative motifs. They carry symbolic meanings and serve as visual metaphors that enrich the narrative of the image.

Another important source of inspiration has been the work of the renowned Iranian poet and painter Sohrab Sepehri. I have been especially drawn to his depictions of trees. The rich textures and expressive qualities of his work inspired me. I combine the imagined worlds of animation with the symbolic language of Persian miniature painting. I also draw on the organic textures of nature. Through this fusion, I create surreal, dreamlike worlds that invite contemplation and personal interpretation.

One of my primary artistic goals is to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity in the viewer. I hope these imagined spaces awaken memories or encourage viewers to envision themselves within these landscapes. This allows each person to form a unique and personal connection with the work.

Materials and Technique

I primarily work with acrylic paint, incorporating mixed media techniques to create rich, layered textures. Acrylic has long been my preferred medium because of its versatility. It allows me to achieve delicate, watercolor-like transparency in certain areas. It also lets me build textured surfaces that emphasize the expressive qualities of the trees.

A wide range of brown tones dominates the color palette of my paintings. These tones establish the overall atmosphere of the compositions. In selected areas, I introduce more saturated colors to create harmony, emphasize specific elements, and generate visual contrast.

The central theme of this body of work explores the relationship between human beings and ancient trees. Human figures appear trapped within these age-old forms, suggesting that nature—or perhaps the material world itself—has enchanted and imprisoned them. They seem to be searching for freedom from this symbolic captivity.

The tradition of animism found in Persian miniature painting also influences my paintings. This tradition regards nature as possessing life, spirit, and consciousness. Throughout the works, color alternates between ethereal, translucent passages and more solid, tangible forms. This reinforces the contrast between spiritual freedom and earthly confinement.

Q: Which artists have inspired you the most, and whose work has had the greatest influence on your artistic practice?

A: I regularly study and analyze the works of a wide range of artists and photographers. I am particularly drawn to those associated with Surrealism. However, I have never limited myself to the influence of a single artist. My interest extends beyond Surrealism to include Abstract art and many other artistic movements. These movements offer new ways of expressing my ideas and visual imagination. Rather than following one particular artist or style, I seek inspiration from diverse artistic approaches. These approaches help me communicate my thoughts and expand my creative vision.

Q: How important is it for your work to be recognized as Iranian art? To what extent do you incorporate elements of Iranian art into your practice?

A: Iranian art is an exceptionally rich artistic tradition, distinguished by its remarkable diversity and deeply rooted aesthetic principles. For centuries, it has served as a source of inspiration for artists across different cultures and generations.

Through my research into the various schools of Persian miniature painting, I developed a profound appreciation for its visual language and aesthetic values. This inspired me to incorporate selected principles of Persian miniature into my own artistic practice, while interpreting them through my personal imagination and contemporary perspective.

My intention has never been to imitate the work of others. Instead, I have always sought to develop my own visual language—one that reflects my personal vision. At the same time, it remains rooted in the aesthetic heritage of Iranian art. Maintaining this connection is important to me. It allows me to preserve the spirit of Persian artistic traditions while expressing them in a contemporary and individual way.

Q: In how many artistic disciplines have you worked?

A: Throughout my artistic journey, I have worked across a wide range of creative disciplines. My curiosity and passion for art have always encouraged me to explore different forms of artistic expression. Another important influence has been my academic background in Visual Arts. This academic background introduced me to a broad spectrum of artistic fields. Each of these fields became a source of inspiration for my own practice.

My experience includes graphic design, illustration, and traditional Persian arts—including Persian miniature painting, Gol-o Morgh (Bird-and-Flower painting), Tazhib (Persian illumination), and calligraphy. It also includes painting, caricature, editorial cartooning, digital painting, and animation.

I have also worked in animation production, character design, and environmental design for several short film projects. I contributed similar work to a feature-length animated film produced by the Saba Art and Cultural Institute.

Q: How many hours do you typically work each day?

A: That’s a difficult question to answer, because every artist has a different creative process. Some artists work continuously for long hours. Others prefer to spend more time reflecting on the concept, direction, and visual language of their work before they begin creating.

Personally, I work as much as I feel is necessary. This brings me a sense of fulfillment and moves me closer to my artistic goals. I believe that working endlessly without reflection does not necessarily lead to meaningful or original ideas. For me, creating art is not simply about producing more work—it’s about creating with intention.

I devote a great deal of time to studying and observing the work of other artists. Throughout my journey, careful observation has taught me far more than repetitive practice without a clear purpose. I believe that thoughtful research, visual exploration, and reflection are just as essential to the creative process. They matter as much as the act of painting itself.

Q: Do you consider yourself capable of analyzing and critiquing the work of other artists? Could you elaborate?

A: To some extent, yes. I believe every artist develops a unique way of seeing and interpreting works of art. This comes through their own experiences and creative perspective.

Whenever I encounter an artwork, I naturally begin to analyze it. I find myself looking beyond its visual elements. From there, I try to understand the artist’s intention and uncover the ideas or meanings embedded within the composition.

I continuously strive to expand my visual literacy by studying artworks from a wide range of artistic movements. This also means becoming more familiar with different approaches to art analysis and criticism. For me, this process is not only a way of deepening my understanding of art. It is also an important source of inspiration that often leads to new ideas and creative directions in my own practice.

Q: Could you tell us about the beginning of your artistic journey?

A: My passion for art began in childhood. I was born into an artistic family. From an early age, I had the opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand. Growing up in such an environment naturally inspired me to pursue my own artistic path.

From a young age, I was especially fascinated by animation, character design, and the creation of imaginary worlds. I spent countless hours drawing, constantly designing new characters and envisioning fantastical environments. However, my hometown offered very limited opportunities and educational resources to support these interests. So I turned to independent study. I immersed myself in books, art magazines, and the works of established artists, carefully observing, analyzing, and learning from them. This process not only expanded my visual imagination but also gradually deepened my passion for painting.

Formal Education and Training

I studied Graphic Design at art school. I later earned my Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from Farhangian University (Teacher Training University), Mashhad. My academic education introduced me to a wide range of artistic disciplines. I was especially drawn to the rich traditions of Persian and Islamic art. I was fortunate to study under distinguished professors whose guidance played an important role in shaping my artistic development.

A strong desire to grow as a multidisciplinary artist drove me. I dedicated myself to mastering every artistic field that captured my interest. Rather than limiting myself to a single discipline, I sought to broaden my knowledge. I wanted to develop a comprehensive understanding of different forms of visual expression.

I later completed my Master’s degree in Painting at the University of Science and Culture in Tehran. This experience allowed me to focus more deeply on painting as my primary artistic practice. At the same time, I continued working on character design, environment design, and visual concept development for several short animation projects. These projects remained an essential part of my long-term artistic vision.

Today, my practice continues to span multiple artistic disciplines. I am constantly searching for new ideas, new visual languages, and new directions that allow my work to evolve.

Q: What vision do you have for your future as an artist?

A: I am constantly striving to transform my new ideas into artworks that communicate meaningfully with my audience. My aspiration is to continually develop my artistic practice. I also hope to see my work recognized alongside that of influential artists who have contributed to the history of art. More than anything, I hope to leave behind a body of work that reflects my vision. I hope it resonates with people across cultures. I remain committed to my artistic journey. Through dedication and perseverance, I hope that I will one day achieve the goals I have set for myself.

Q: Who has been your greatest source of encouragement throughout your artistic journey?

A: My family has been my greatest source of encouragement throughout my artistic journey. Their unwavering support, constant belief in me, and encouragement have given me the confidence to continue pursuing my artistic goals. I am deeply grateful for everything they have done. Their support has played an invaluable role in shaping the artist I am today.

نوشته Interview with Emerging Artist Elahe Toroghi اولین بار در Honargardi. پدیدار شد.