My Voice from Perth

Abstract

In this paper, I will examine my art projects, A long letter to home (2015-20) and Indian ocean ceremony (2020-present), to extend my discussion on the idea of non-verbal communication. I also discuss the influence of cultural institutions on the recognition of the local artists in Perth and consider possible ways of sharing my voice with the communities. 

A long letter to home (2015-20): In 1999, I left my homeland Iran and immigrated to Australia. When I came to Australia, I never considered myself a migrant; I saw myself as someone who wanted to exchange and share cultural ideas and become an artist. Shortly after I started studying art in Australian institutions and realised that I am a migrant searching for a home, I understood that I could make something unique, meaningful and negotiable artworks, rather than works that only deal with or speak of my emotions. A long letter to home is a project that I developed during my study and visual research on the idea of home. It is a collaborative project between myself and a group of people living in Iran who responded to my two questions about home and homeland. 

Indian ocean ceremony (2020-present): While I was completing my PhD in Fine Art, I arrived at the understanding that I am still a migrant who is continuously searching for a home and exploring the idea of home in public and private places. I have also found myself who needs three key elements to sustain creativity and an artistic career: compassion, dignity and obligation. Indian ocean ceremony reflects a symbolic relationship between the idea of home, these fundamental elements, and the Indian Ocean water.