Artist Biography:

Farina Salehi is a multidisciplinary Fine Arts artist with a rich cultural heritage. She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and a recent Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Western Sydney University (WSU). Her art practice is a deep reflection of her life journey, shaped by her Iranian roots and her experiences living in Western countries like Australia. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, Salehi blends her diverse cultural identities to create artwork that bridges two worlds together.

Lived in Shiraz, one of Iran’s most historically significant cities in Iran, Farina’s artistic vision was shaped early on by her exposure to the intricate yet simple textiles woven by nomadic peoples. These textiles, woven “from the soul, spun from the heart,” continue to influence her art, which merges vibrant colours with abstract Western styles. Farina’s work explores themes of migration, movement, and the concept of belonging, embodying the personal and cultural transitions she has navigated throughout her life.

Her creative practice spans various mediums, including bitumen, acrylic, oil, and hand-woven textiles. The symbolic use of bitumen represents the footsteps and the roots to get where she is now and the winding journey that has shaped her life, while fragments of carpets in her oil series evoke her Iranian heritage. These elements form a dialogue of movement, belonging, and cultural identity, where each piece holds the essence of both the past and the present. carrying the weight of Eastern traditions. Salehi’s work invites viewers into a dynamic conversation between the East and the West, where the merging of these two cultures creates rich colour yet simple forms and deep meaning.

Currently living and working in Sydney. Salehi’s art continues to evolve, incorporating her creative expression. Through her vibrant, layered artworks and her collages, she weaves together her memories, identities, and cultural residues, creating art that transcends borders and speaks to the heart.

Artist Statement:

My work reflects my journey, both as an artist and as a person navigating multiple cultural backgrounds. As an Iranian Australian, my art is a dialogue between these two identities, one that explores the complexity of belonging, migration, and memory. Using a variety of materials like bitumen, acrylics, and oil, I create abstract works that reflect the winding road I’ve travelled, with each piece acting as a bridge between my Eastern roots and my new life in Australia.

The woven fragments of carpets in my collage series represent my Eastern heritage. At the same time, I draw on the language of contemporary Western abstract art, blending these forms into a unique concept. My canvas becomes a space where I merge these disparate elements into a cohesive whole, just as my life is a continuous blending of cultures, histories, and identities.

I experiment with the tactile and textural qualities of materials, cutting and layering fabrics onto the canvas, and creating rich collages that evoke the density and vibrancy of handwoven carpets. In this way, I weave my memories and emotions into each piece, creating an art practice that is both a personal exploration and a broader commentary on the human experience of transition, memory, and connection. Through my work, I invite viewers to reflect on their journeys and the spaces between cultures, histories, and identities.

Selected Artworks:

1.“Weaving the memories”
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 150 x 100 cm

2.“Madder”
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 120 x 120 cm

3.“Dancing With Colours”
Medium: Mixed media
Size: 150 x 120 cm