Meet Shirin Aghdaie | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shirin Aghdaie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirin, what’s your definition for success?
To me, success is staying true to my creative voice while connecting deeply with others through my art.
It’s not just about recognition or sales — although those are meaningful — it’s about creating honest work that speaks to the inner experiences of others, especially women. When someone tells me they felt seen or understood through one of my paintings, that’s real success. It also means continuing to grow, take risks, and evolve — both artistically and personally.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal and emotionally driven, often centered around the female figure. One of the most recognizable elements in my work is the way I paint women with their eyes hidden or turned away — a symbol of unspoken dreams, suppressed voices, and the quiet strength of femininity. This recurring theme reflects both personal experiences and broader social issues that have shaped my perspective as a woman and an artist.

What sets my work apart is the combination of classical painting techniques with a graphic design sensibility. Because I studied both fine arts and graphic design, I’ve developed a unique ability to blend structure and spontaneity, using texture, color, and composition in layered and symbolic ways. This fusion allows me to create work that is both conceptually rich and visually compelling.

The road hasn’t always been easy. As an Iranian woman artist, I’ve faced limitations, expectations, and periods of isolation — especially during the early years. But art was always my way through. I poured my questions, emotions, and frustrations into my canvases. Exhibiting internationally — from London to Toronto, Istanbul to Los Angeles — didn’t happen overnight. It took persistence, courage, and an unwavering commitment to my voice.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay true to your vision, even when it’s misunderstood or ahead of its time. You can’t wait for permission to create. You have to keep evolving, even in silence.

What I want the world to know about my work is that it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about storytelling, resistance, and beauty with depth. My art isn’t afraid to be vulnerable — and I hope that by sharing it, I make space for others to feel seen and heard too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d show them a mix of art, nature, and culture.

We’d start with a walk through Balboa Park and visit the San Diego Museum of Art, then relax with dessert at Extraordinary Desserts. One day we’d drive up to Los Angeles to visit The Getty and have dinner at a Persian restaurant like Shamshiri Grill in Westwood — I’d want them to feel a piece of my culture.

Back in San Diego, we’d visit La Jolla Cove, shop and eat in Little Italy, and enjoy a beach day at Coronado. I’d also take them to a local gallery or museum where my work or other Iranian art is on display — sharing that part of myself is always special.

To end the week, we’d hike Torrey Pines, then I’d give them one of my handmade mirror pieces — a small reminder of our time together and the beauty of Persian art.
Also Persian Place in Carlsbad is a vibrant hub for Persian arts, and as a team member of this organization, honored to lead workshops there! it’s one of the places I always recommend to create, connect, and celebrate culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shout-out to the amazing mentors and artists who have inspired and supported me along the way.
First and foremost, my mentor Mehrdad Mohebali, who guided me from the very beginning of my career and instilled in me the confidence to pursue my unique artistic voice. Additionally, the art community around me — including my colleagues and fellow artists — has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement. Their shared experiences and support have been invaluable to my growth as a painter.

I’m also deeply thankful to the Persianplace community for their unwavering support and for creating a space where Persian creatives can connect, express themselves, and feel seen.
And, of course, my family — their belief in me continues to be one of the greatest sources of strength in my journey.

Website: https://Www.shirinaghdaie.com

Instagram: shirinaghdaie