Meet Sanaz Hagani

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Sanaz Hagani again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Sanaz, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Athens, Georgia, whose journey has been shaped by an enduring commitment to self-discovery and the profound connections that define our shared humanity. My work reflects the multifaceted nature of existence, embracing the fluidity of identity and the quiet introspection that unveils our core selves. At the heart of my creative philosophy lies the concept of “sonder”—the realization that each individual leads a life as vivid, intricate, and deeply felt as my own. This awareness of interconnectedness fuels my exploration of identity, society, and nature, allowing me to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

We, as humans, are not static beings but dynamic and ever-evolving vessels of identity. Each role we assume, each mask we wear, reveals a distinct facet of who we are, shaped by the context in which it emerges. In professional realms, we project ambition and confidence; in the intimacy of home, vulnerability and warmth; among friends, exuberance and camaraderie; and in solitude, the unvarnished essence of self. These shifting identities are not contradictions but threads woven into the intricate tapestry of our being.

Amid the rhythm of daily existence, I find myself peeling back these layers, harmonizing with the world while seeking moments of introspection. In the stillness, I confront the question: “Who am I beneath these myriad masks?” Is there a singular, unified essence, or am I an ever-changing interplay of selves, as boundless and layered as the universe itself? This ceaseless journey of self-discovery—of navigating the tension between who I am, who I have been, and who I am becoming—lies at the core of my life and art. Each creation becomes a mirror of this journey, reflecting the interplay of my identities while inviting others to embark on their own explorations.

This ongoing evolution has profoundly shaped my artistic practice, compelling me to challenge conventions and celebrate diversity. Resilience, vulnerability, and connection are central themes in my work, often inspired by my exploration of femininity and sexuality. These aspects of my identity serve not only as a lens through which I interpret the world but also as catalysts for creative expression, enabling me to address the complexities of the human experience with authenticity and depth.

As both an artist and educator, my journey has been enriched by the precision of printmaking, the tactile experimentation of papermaking, and the innovative methodologies of design thinking. These disciplines form the foundation of my practice, empowering me to experiment across various media. I have embraced installations to engage with space, movement, and sensory experience, crafting immersive works that challenge perception and evoke emotional resonance. Additionally, artist books, handmade paper, and sculptural forms offer unique avenues to push the boundaries of societal norms and deepen the emotional and conceptual layers of my art.

My creative process is a delicate synthesis of technical mastery and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Through the interplay of traditional techniques and contemporary innovation, I explore the tension between the tactile and the conceptual, articulating a sense of the “unencumbered self.” Every medium I engage with becomes a vessel for translating personal and collective narratives into tangible works of art, sparking conversations about identity, memory, and connection.

Ultimately, my work strives to resonate on both a personal and universal level. It is an invitation to reflect on the complexities of our identities, to embrace vulnerability and strength, and to find beauty in the interplay of our many selves. By celebrating the rich tapestry of the human experience, I seek to inspire others to explore their own narratives and discover the transformative power of self-expression.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
My journey has been one of deep inspiration and real challenges, shaped by an ongoing dialogue between what’s happening within me and the pressing realities of the world around me. For me, self-expression, activism, and artistic exploration aren’t separate—they’re deeply personal responses to the questions, struggles, and moments of clarity that define my life.

A pivotal moment that has profoundly influenced my recent work is the tragic and catalytic events surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran. Her unjust death ignited a nationwide and global wave of resistance, exposing the systemic oppression and violence faced by women in Iran. From over 7,000 miles away, I felt the energy of a youth-led uprising—raw, defiant voices breaking silence with their cries for freedom. At the same time, I witnessed unspeakable violence, the brutal suppression of peaceful protests, and the collective mourning that followed.

In the safety of my home, I wrestled with a torrent of emotions: helplessness, anger, grief, and an undeniable sense of urgency. The constant updates from citizen journalists, uncensored images, and vivid accounts of resilience left an indelible mark on me. These voices, relentless in their pursuit of justice, compelled me to channel my emotions into visual expression—a response to their call, a way of giving form to the formless ache within me.

This urgency found expression in a series of protest posters I began creating in 2022. These works are deeply personal reactions, visually exploring my internal reflections and attempts to stay connected to the movement from afar. Creating these pieces allowed me to process my feelings while also delving into themes like resistance, courage, and interconnectedness.

One of the posters depicts the sneakers left behind by Hananeh Kia, a young woman who lost her life in the protests. I reimagined her as a paradise bird, rising alongside thirty other birds that represent the Simurgh, a mythical Persian creature. The Simurgh is a powerful symbol of unity and self-discovery, drawn from a Persian story in which thirty birds undertake a perilous journey to find this mythical being, only to discover that the Simurgh is a reflection of themselves. I wanted this imagery to convey the strength found in togetherness, even in the face of loss.

In tandem with this, my installation Essay Topic: Write Down the Word Woman One Hundred Times! has gained new layers of meaning in the current context. Created in 2021, the installation grapples with the imposed boundaries and silences dictated by societal expectations and authoritarianism. The flowing 100-foot-long paper and repeated female images symbolize the weight of censorship and the boundless potential of creativity to challenge oppression. Reflecting on this piece now, it feels eerily prescient, capturing the paradoxical space where limitation gives birth to defiance, and silence becomes fertile ground for revolution.

Through the medium of the chador—a potent symbol of oppression and cultural identity in Iran—I’ve sought to explore these tensions even further. The chador in my work is not just a garment but a metaphor for the veil of history, secrecy, and silence under which so many women live. The unfinished poems, hidden figures, and layered narratives in my work aim to evoke both what is seen and what is hidden, inviting viewers to confront the stories that are often left untold.

Looking ahead, I’m inspired to continue exploring these themes through upcoming installations and artist book projects. My goal is to keep addressing the pressing issues of identity, gender, and justice, while creating spaces where viewers can reflect on their roles within these broader narratives. This journey is constantly evolving, and though it’s humbling at times, it’s also what fuels me—to create art that sparks conversations and brings people closer to the issues that matter most.

What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
As an artist and educator, I hope to be remembered as someone who never stopped exploring, creating, and sharing. My journey with art began when I was 13, and from that point forward, it has been a constant in my life—a practice and passion that has shaped how I see the world and engage with it. Through my work, I strive to convey ideas and concepts that are deeply important to me, often rooted in identity, justice, and human connection.

What makes my work special, I believe, is the way it bridges the personal and the universal. Art, to me, is more than just creating something beautiful—it’s about fostering dialogue and sparking reflection. Like all artists, I want to connect with the community I live in, create work that resonates with those around me, and visually bring forward concepts and conversations that people may not have encountered before. Whether I’m exploring themes of resilience, memory, or societal change, my goal is always to make these ideas accessible to anyone curious to learn about them.

What’s unique about my approach is how I weave together different influences—my cultural heritage, personal experiences, and my educational background. Education plays a vital role in my work because it’s not just about presenting art but creating spaces for people to engage with it, ask questions, and even find their own connections to the themes I’m exploring. I want to inspire curiosity, reflection, and dialogue.

Ultimately, I want people to remember me as someone who used art as a tool to build understanding and empathy. Someone who wasn’t afraid to address difficult topics but always did so with a sense of hope and purpose. My work is deeply tied to my journey, but it’s also about something larger—encouraging people to see themselves and the world in new and meaningful ways.

Website: https://sanazhagani.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanazhagani/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaz-hagani-89647155/

Twitter: https://x.com/SanazHaghani

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanazhagani