Fedra, an artist currently living in exile, creates work that is deeply infused with the search for a sense of belonging. Her art seamlessly blends elements of her cultural heritage with a modern, abstract aesthetic. She incorporates Persian Gabbeh, rugs and Suzani textiles which symbolize the warmth and comfort of home, as a way to stay anchored to her roots. While these traditional elements provide a foundation, her Western-influenced abstract compositions allow her to explore broader, borderless narratives.
Her "Missing Homeland Series" is a five-part project that spans several years, including "Migrant Stories" (2024) & (2025) “Belonging Interrupted” (2025), “Dreaming of Arrival” (2026), “Moment of Departure” (2027), “Missed Gatherings” (2028), and “New Home. New Name” (2029).
In her current exhibition, “Belonging Interrupted,” each painting is meticulous and multi-layered. The process begins with a sketch, followed by a detailed draft drawing on canvas, linen, or paper. She then uses acrylic, gouache, and ink to create traditional compositions with shapes and figures that mimic abstract styles. She applies multiple layers of paint, often sanding and prepping the surface between each layer. This unique technique gives her pieces the distinctive, flat, and flowing look of a woven fiber or rug.
“Belonging Interrupted series” is characterized by a striking color palette that pairs bold tones with earthy hues. Traditional motifs are rendered in a contemporary style, inviting viewers from different backgrounds to find common ground. She uses small, childlike figures with blank, evocative faces, placed within distinct geometric shapes, to represent the constant state of transition and isolation. These figures also evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past and childhood. Suzani-like stitches highlight the often unalterable reality of life in exile, while the bright colors symbolize hope, resilience, and the dream of home.
She aims to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries not just to connect East and West, but to explore the universal human yearning for a place of belonging. By blending ancient traditions with modern expressions, her work fosters a deep connection among diverse audiences, guiding them through their own personal search for home.
"The story behind my paintings belongs to all who long for home, and to everyone in search of belonging and hope."
Her work has been exhibited across the United States, including in Seattle, Atlanta, San Diego,Portland, San Francisco, Port Townsend, Brooklyn, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Boston, and Washington D.C.
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