Sara Shamsavari

Sara Shamsavari (August 5, 1979) is a British multidisciplinary artist, photographer, filmmaker, musician, educator and public figure based in London.

Early life and education

Shamsavari was born in Tehran, Iran to Iranian parents, the year of the Islamic Revolution.^[1] . At 16 months old, Shamsavari developed Wilms' tumor, a tumor of the kidneys. This, along with the impending persecution the family faced after the revolution, prompted the family to escape Iran.^[1]

After seeking refuge in Brazil, for three months the family were granted asylum in Britain. Here Shamsavari was successfully cured of cancer at Great Ormond Street Hospital, an experience which later affected her work: "I hope to inspire people towards the message of love, equality and acceptance in this troubled world we live in."^[2]

Sara attended Camberwell School of Art and Design and during her time there experimented with painting, drawing, mixed media and photography and film. She graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and won a place to study a Certificate of Higher Education in music production and development at the University of Westminster, where she graduated in 2005. Sara chose photography as the first of her professional endeavours for its ability to create an instant bond between the artist and the outside world. In 2018 Sara went on to gain a Master of Arts degree in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries at Central Saint Martins specialising in the power of aesthetic and sensory experiences to shape our perception and perspectives on personal and global concerns.

Work

Within her artistic practise Shamsavari explores themes of identity, inclusion and transformation. Several of her projects centre around challenging stereotypes and common preconceived judgements based on labels including appearance, culture, religion and sexuality. The artist’s photographic and film work have been widely recognised, published and featured across media including BBC,^[3][4] ITN,^[5] Reuters,^[6] The Guardian^[7][8]i-D, Dazed & Confused,^[9] Volt^[10][11][12] The New York Times and Monocle 24. In 2015 her works were published in ReSignifications ( Awam Amkpa, Postcart ) and in 2017 as part of Dandy Lion Street Style ( Shantrelle P. Lewis, Aperture) .

Sara’s work has exhibited in museums and public spaces around the world including the Institute of Contemporary Art, City Hall, The Royal Festival Hall, Bethlem Gallery, Brighton Photo Biennial, MoCP ( Chicago), Lowe Art Museum ( Miami) Espace Pierre Cardin, (Paris), MANIFESTA Biennial ( Palermo), Galeria Biagiotti (Florence) Nathan Cummings Foundation ( New York) and Centro Provincial des Artes y Diseño( Havana). Her work has also featured in retail and advertising spaces including Selfridges & Co and Publicis, London.

Shamsavari regularly guest lectures at NYU Abu Dhabi and has given several lectures around the world to students and professionals, universities include UAL, UCA, John Cabot ( Rome), Syracuse and global companies including ad agency J Walter Thompson. She has delivered workshops and artist talks, at institutions including Tate Britain, Apple Store, Kings Place, Southbank Centre (WOW Festival) and the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Shamsavari is also a musician, performing both as a solo artist and as part of choirs and collectives. She has performed in venues including City Hall's London Living Room, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Stratford Circus.

Shamsavari is described as "energetic and forceful ... weighed with conviction" (The Guardian)^[13] with"the rare gift of capturing how the light strikes a face to illuminate hope" (Aesthetica),^[14] her work as "unflinchingly honest portraits" (Brownbook UAE)^[15]"revealing a unique empathy with her subjects"(i-D)^[16] and carrying "acute socio-political messages" (Flavorpill).^[17]

References