Iranian-born artist Paria Goodarzi has a multi-disciplinary art practice, as well as carrying out rich and multi-faceted socially engaged projects. During her residency at Edinburgh Printmakers, Paria developed the print project Measuring the Distance. This work combines an etched image depicting a partial view of the back of two women’s heads – hers and her mother’s, with a screen-printed background surrounding them, developed from enlarged patterns taken from her UK travel document.
Paria’s project not only provides a window into how distance is shaping her family connections and sense of belonging, but also suggests that both are intertwined with citizenship as a legal status and the political relationship of the UK as host country with her.
Paria’s residency coincided with the escalation of protests in Iran, during which hair has become a symbol for many of women’s freedom. In Measuring the Distance, single threads of hair from Paria and her mother were placed on top of the etching plate during the printing process, softly interrupting the image. The work pays tribute to a continued history of protest movement and identity of women’s reflection on history.
During her stay, Paria led a printing workshop, inviting participants to reproduce this image into tote bags and reflect on the use of printmaking as a tool for advocacy.
Residency dates: 8th November – 2nd December 2022
Paria Goodarzi is an Iranian born artist and social art practitioner, member of UNESCO RILA Affiliated Artist network, and The Young Academy of Scotland. Paria studied BA (Hons)Textile Design from University of Science & Culture in Tehran, Sculpture & Environmental Art at Glasgow School of Art, and Master of Adult Education, Community Development, & Youth Work at Glasgow University.
Paria’s artistic focus is on cultural and political transfers and translocations, as well the contemporary human condition, cultural identity, and displacement. Through a multidisciplinary practice, Paria examines the formation and representation of identity, frequently incorporating collaborative, participatory, and socially engaged artworks.
A significant component of her work involves the development of socially engaged art projects that respond to ideas of cultural belonging, representation, displacement. she co-found the art initiative ‘Distanced Assemblage’ with the intention of enhancing the wellbeing and visibility of individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, by providing opportunities to engage with creative practice and cultural organisations.
