Wk 10 – Artist Conversation – Mahsa Soroudi

• Artist: Mahsa Soroudi
• Website: https://www.mahsasoroudi.com/
• Instagram: @mahsasoroudi
• Twitter: @MahsaSoroudi

Mahsa Soroudi was born in a moderate, Muslim family. Her parents were artistically talented and exposed Soroudi to many different cultures. She grew up in and went to school at Tehran, Iran, home to the best universities in Iran.

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Soroudi has two projects: Nature’s Cadence and 7500 Miles.

Nature’s Cadence:

In Nature’s Cadence, Soroudi explores ideas of displacement and resettlement through plants. She does this by cutting and replanting succulent plants and observing how they adapt to their new environment, emulating Soroudi’s experience of leaving her country. Her plants inspired her and taught her how to remain beautiful and strong in unfamiliar areas.

7500 Miles:

7500 Miles is an ongoing project that represents specifically Iranian women and their contemporary art. This project is in an Exhibition called Inner Fragments. The exhibition has done shows at various locations such as Michigan State University and the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. Inner Fragments focuses on universal themes that women experience, their inspirations, and all the feelings that came with being in their roles. As of March 29, 2020, there are 18 artists being featured in 7500 Miles.

Elahe Farzi, for example, is one of these artists. In her work, she explores “the spirit and time of narrative”.

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Soroudi’s work speaks of important messages. One can flourish no matter the conditions and you are beyond what society says you should be. While I have never personally needed to be told this, it is still a powerful message.

-Rosa Eap 🙂