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Katayoun Stewart

Katayoun-Stewart | Unstable-Condition, 2015 | Oil-on-Linen | 30x24 inch

What is the impetus of your creativity?

The empetus of my creativity is the blend of my personal experiences, emotions and curiosity about the world around me and expressing thoughts and feelings that I can’t articulate in words.

How has social media changed your art practice?

Social media has significantly transformed my art practice in several ways. For example sharing my works on Instagram and facebook and receive instant feedback. Also I have been exposed to a diverse array of artists which has broadened my creative horizons. On the business side, social media has become a tool for marketing my art.

What is your art philosophy?

I believe art should evoke emotions and provoke thoughts. My philosophy in figurative and portrait painting is grounded in the pursuit of capturing the essence of the human spirit. I believe that every face tells a story, and my goal is to bring those stories to life on canvas and uncover the unique character and inner life of the individual. This process is not just about achieving physical likeness, but about understanding and depicting the personality, mood, and energy of the person. I am particularly drawn to the play of light and shadow on the human form, as it reveals not just physical features, but also subtle emotional states and hidden narratives.

What influenced your art style?

I have always had a deep admiration for old masters’ classical technics with a contemporary perspective. I am particularly drawn to the play of light and shadow on the human forms as it reveals not just physical features but also subtle emotional states and hidden narrative.

What turns has your art career taken?

My art career began with a deep engagement in abstract landscape paintings, a realm where I expressed my visions through the interplay of color and form, capturing the essence of nature in a way that resonated with my personal perspective. This phase was marked by a freedom in expression, where each canvas was an exploration of the abstract world.

However, a significant turn in my artistic journey occurred against the backdrop of unfolding political events in Iran. Witnessing the social upheaval and the impact of these events on individual lives, I felt a compelling need to shift my focus. This period marked my transition from abstract landscapes to figurative art, a change driven by a desire to capture the human condition and its complexities more directly.

This shift was not just in subject matter but also a profound alteration in my method and approach. Figurative art allowed me to explore and portray human emotions, stories, and the underlying psychological states of individuals living through these tumultuous times. It was a way to connect more deeply with the audience, offering a mirror to society and the issues it was grappling with.

Embracing this new direction, my work began to reflect the narratives and experiences of those around me, painted with a sense of urgency and authenticity that abstract landscapes did not permit. This phase of my career was characterized by a more grounded and realistic portrayal of life, a response to the immediacy of the social and political climate.

Currently, my art continues to evolve within the figurative realm, constantly influenced by the world around me. This journey from abstract to figurative art, prompted by external circumstances, has not only broadened my artistic repertoire but also deepened my understanding of the role of art in reflecting and responding to societal changes.

What are you frustrated about?

There’s often a tension between creating art that is true to my vision and producing work that is commercially viable. 

Although I’m constantly reminding myself of the value of artistic integrity and trying to find a healthy balance between commercial and creative goals, this conflict sometimes impacts my creative process, leading to periods of self-doubt and reduced productivity.

Additionally, the current economic climate has made it more difficult to secure funding and resources for new projects. This has limited some of the plans I have for exploring and expanding my artistic practice.

These challenges, while frustrating, have also been learning experiences. Looking forward, I hope to continue finding innovative ways to sustain my practice and to create art that resonates both with me and my audience.