Keynaz Goodarzi is an accomplished painter and sculptor based in Tehran, Iran. Her artistic journey is characterized by a deep commitment to illuminating the experiences and resilience of women. With a background in architecture and interior design, Keynaz brings a unique perspective to her art that combines technical precision with emotional depth.

Her works have been featured in numerous group exhibitions both domestically and internationally, including prestigious venues such as PADOVA in Italy, Victorious Art Gallery in Florida, and several well-known galleries in Iran. Keynaz’s art narrates the stories of women's struggles and triumphs, portraying them as dynamic forces for change and growth.

Keynaz has also made significant contributions as an art educator, teaching painting and sculpture to children and young adults. Her commitment to fostering creativity in the next generation is evident in her roles at Farmanian Art Studio, 3Squares Art Studio, and her private studio. She has also taught English at Safir Institution, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to education.

Statement:

My artistic journey began with women. I aimed to illuminate their world, capturing their relentless efforts, dreams, and illusions. Over time, my focus shifted, revealing new dimensions of these stories.

Initially, my works depicted the physical and symbolic burdens carried by women. However, I gradually realized that their true struggle transcended these apparent limitations. It was about their survival, empowerment, and the pursuit of self-improvement.

My collection narrates the stories of women navigating a labyrinth of challenges. Each piece portrays their ascent, the countless steps they take, inevitable falls, and their resilience to rise again. For instance, one of my paintings shows a woman climbing an endless staircase, each step symbolizing a new challenge and a fresh success, driving them to elevate themselves and those around them. Each painting is a testament to their journey, illustrating the delicate balance between struggle and triumph.

In some of my paintings, I have incorporated elements from classical artworks to depict the backdrop against which these women have grown and strived to overcome. These elements highlight the contrast between the past and the modern efforts of women.

Another of my works is inspired by Eugène Delacroix’s famous painting "Liberty Leading the People." In this piece, I use the symbolism of freedom and collective power to represent women’s fight for their rights and liberties, showing how art can be a voice of resistance and a catalyst for change.

In my works, I employ vivid colors and strong lines to convey their energy and inner strength, using expressive touches to depict emotions and passions.

My personal experiences as an artist have also profoundly influenced this collection. Just as I have navigated my own challenges and worked to establish myself as an artist, this journey parallels the experiences of the women in my art. This deep and personal connection imbues each piece with greater meaning.

Eden / 100.100/ Acrylic on canvas / 2020

Freedom / 50.50/ Acrylic on canvas / 2021

Playground / 44.29/ Acrylic on canvas / 2024

Living in a Cocoon / 44.29/ Acrylic on canvas / 2024

Guardian Angel / 44.29 / Acrylic on canvas / 2024

No title / 30.10 / Chalk / 2024

Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your interest in depicting women's stories in your art?

Meeting women who were fighting for their rights and freedoms was a pivotal moment for me. Hearing their stories and witnessing their courage and resilience inspired me to capture these remarkable journeys through my art and share them with others.

What initially drew you to focus on the physical and symbolic burdens that women bear?

Initially, my attention was drawn to the physical and symbolic burdens of women due to the direct observation of social and cultural pressures on them. These burdens, both physical and symbolic, represented the obstacles women had to overcome to achieve their goals.

Can you explain how and why your focus shifted to themes of empowerment and self-improvement?

Over time and through more study of women's stories, I realized that their true power lies in their empowerment and pursuit of self-improvement. This shift from struggle to empowerment helped me transform my art into a tool for uplifting and motivating others.

How do you balance the depiction of struggle with the message of empowerment and resilience in your work?

In my works, I strive to depict struggle and empowerment simultaneously. This balance is achieved by showing women facing challenges while also overcoming them. This contrast and simultaneity between weakness and strength reinforce the message of resilience and inner power.

Can you talk about the symbolism you use in your paintings to depict women's burdens and their inner strength?

The symbolism in my works includes the use of historical elements and unrelated objects to show culturally constructed pressures. Additionally, I use vivid colors and strong lines to depict inner strength and hope for a brighter future.

Can you describe your creative process from conceptualization to the completion of a piece?

My creative process begins with listening to women's stories. Then, I sketch out my ideas with preliminary drawings. Finally, I select colors and techniques to complete the painting and convey my message to the viewer.

What techniques and materials do you prefer to use when creating your paintings?

I primarily use acrylic paint, but sometimes I incorporate expressive pencil lines to show the intertwining of life's harshness and passion with the vibrancy of colors.

How do you decide on the color palette and composition of each piece to convey your themes?

The choice of color palette and composition for each piece is based on the emotions and messages I want to convey. However, I mostly strive to use vibrant colors to symbolize hope at the end of these efforts.

Are there any specific artistic influences or mentors who have shaped your style and approach?

Yes, I always strive to explore the works of both renowned and lesser-known artists to enrich my sensory and color experience. Additionally, the guidance of teachers and mentors throughout my learning journey has played a significant role in shaping my style and approach.

Can you share the story of one of your favorite pieces from this collection?

One of my favorite pieces shows a woman attempting to uplift herself and other women who are entangled in their own complex worlds of challenges. This work was initially inspired by Eugène Delacroix's painting "Liberty Leading the People." In this piece, I used muted and chaotic colors for the lower part and more vibrant and cheerful colors for the upper part to depict hope.

Have you received any memorable reactions or feedback from viewers about your work?

Yes, in many cases, the feedback I have received has been a sense of fear, which I believe is because the work taps into deeply rooted fears in their subconscious.

In what ways do you think art can drive social change, particularly concerning women's issues?

Art can raise societal awareness and draw attention to women's issues by depicting their stories and experiences. Additionally, art can serve as a tool for inspiration and empowerment, encouraging women to fight for their rights and freedoms.

Experiences:

Teach painting to kids at Farmanian art studio
Teach painting to kids at 3squares Art studio
Teach sculpting at private studio
Teach English at safir institution
Education
Islamic azad university south, Tehran (1397-1395)
MA in interior design
Islamic azad university west, Tehran (1390-1395)
BA in architecture engineering

Courses:

• Teacher training course for English at Safir institution
• Teacher training course for children art at Sarzamin Baran institution
• Sculpture course at Khak o Ab art institution
• Sculpture course at Tabiat studio
• Illustration at Sakoo art institution
• Revit at Mojtama fani
• Photoshop at Mojtama fani
• AutoCad at Mojtama fani

skills:

painting by oil color and acrylic as well as mixed media
sculpting with mache paper, clay, and chalk

Awards and honors
Special choice award for ar*s*c excellence by Sakku Quarterly, 2024

exhibition:
2024, group exhibition, SAKUU Quarterly 2nd edition, virtual exhibition
2022, group exhibition, PADOVA, Italy
2022, group exhibition, Khate Sefid gallery, Tehran, Iran
2022, group exhibition, Victorious art gallery, Florida, United States
2022, group exhibition, Sarzamin Honar gallery, Tehran, Iran
2021, group exhibition, mehrad gallery, Alborz, Iran
2021, Iran- Canada online exhibition, biafarin group
2021, Iran- france exhibition, biafarin group
2018, group exhibition, negarkhane no gallery, Isfahan, Iran
2018, group exhibition, Vernissage gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia
2017, group exhibition, ehsan gallery, Tehran, Iran