Artist Books: In My Skin, Heart and Nerves

Organized into seven thematic categories—“In My Brain,” “In My Skin,” “In My Eye,” “In My Blood,” “In My Heart,” “In My Nerves,” and “In My Ear”—these artist books provide intimate spaces for reflection, exploring how interactions with the world shape self-perception. This journey is deeply connected to the artist’s experience as an Iranian woman living abroad.

Stitching, the central medium, serves as both a symbolic and physical way of weaving memories and ideas into cohesive narratives. Abstract forms, words, and poems are stitched onto fabric, drawing inspiration from the abstraction in Persian art to convey the beauty and spirituality of Iranian culture. Most texts appear in Farsi, merging literature and calligraphy with intricate stitching techniques. The Persian language, with its rich history and poetic essence, becomes more than communication—it transforms into a lyrical art form that reflects the artist’s way of life.

Sensory engagement—seeing, touching, feeling, and even listening—is a key element of these works. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the experience, connecting more deeply with its meaning. An auditory layer, featuring the sounds of scissors cutting threads and spoken Persian words, further enhances the connection between the process of stitching and the themes of the books. Together, these elements create a multi-sensory exploration of culture, memory, and identity.