Thames-Side Studios-based Tanaz Assefi (Unit 7, Studio 7-211) was born and raised in Iran and has lived and worked in London since 2000. She studied graphic design in Tehran before moving to London to study a MA in illustration and animation.

In her artwork Tanaz says "I have always been in search of relationships between the mysterious and symbolic worlds of ideas and allegories that happen within the realms of mythology, poetry and dreams". Most recently she has been working closely with MumsAid, an award-winning charity that support mothers and their families with their mental health and wellbeing.

Tanaz also runs The Art of Self Expression Group, a place where mothers explore their thought processes and emotional life through mark making, drawing and use of colour, with the focus being on the artistic journey, not the end result. These sessions can help engage participants in more meaningful conversations as well as promoting mindfulness and a calming of the mind. Tanaz has run theses workshops for various organisations including Her Centre, Shamanic Space, Just Another Illness and IYDA Iranian Youth Development Association.

The two paintings above are in memory and in grief for a 27 year old Iranian athlete, Navid Afkari, an Olympic champion executed in Iran for his beliefs. To learn more about Tanaz and her work visit tanazassefi.com

Images: Tanaz Assefi, 2021, courtesy the artist

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