Parastoo Ahoon, a multidisciplinary artist, has emerged as a powerful voice in the contemporary art scene, skillfully weaving together her Iranian heritage with her experiences as an immigrant living in the United States. Born and raised in Iran, Parastoo embarked on a creative journey that would take her across continents, leading to a profound exploration of her identity and a unique artistic vision.
Parastoo’s artistic journey began in the vibrant and culturally rich landscape of Iran. From a young age, she demonstrated an innate talent for creative expression. Growing up in Iran, she was confronted with the dualities of her society—simultaneously bound by Islamic law and the strictures of her culture while nurturing her own individuality and artistic spirit in private. In pursuit of her passion and a desire to expand her artistic horizons, Parastoo embarked on a life-changing journey in 2011 when she moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. She first honed her skills as an MFA candidate at Pratt Institute in 2011-2012, and later graduated with an MFA from Boston University in 2014. These formative years of study in the United States laid the foundation for her unique approach to art, influenced by both her Iranian roots and her newfound perspectives as an immigrant in exile.
Her art knows no bounds in terms of medium or material. She masterfully navigates diverse artistic forms, including sculpture, painting, installation, mixed media, video, and performance. This versatility enables her to convey her thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a variety of ways, creating a rich and layered body of work that speaks to audiences on a global scale.
Parastoo’s work exhibited in prestigious art galleries, museums, libraries, and art fairs both nationally and internationally. Her sculptures have left an indelible mark in urban spaces across the globe, gracing locations in Iran, Turkey, Spain, India, UAE, Italy, France, China, and the United States.
The core of her artistic narrative is deeply rooted in her identity as an Iranian national living in the United States. She infuses her work with a rich blend of Eastern and Western influences, intentionally blurring the lines to challenge viewers' preconceptions about Iranian culture. Her art reflects the unique perspective that immigrants bring to their adopted cultures, a juxtaposition of what they leave behind and what they embrace.
Through her art, Parastoo delves into the paradoxes of her upbringing in Iran, where she navigated the obligations of Islamic law while privately cherishing her freedom to think and act. Her work is a testament to the duality of her life and the nuanced experiences of many immigrants who straddle two worlds, making her art deeply relatable and thought-provoking. Living in the United States and unable to return to Iran, Parastoo Ahoon uses her artwork as a sanctuary—a space to recreate memories, process the complexities of her country's history, and ground her perspective as an Iranian living in exile.
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