Iran’s cultural and artistic history over thousands of years is well-known, so it is little wonder that a vibrant contemporary art scene flourishes in the country — and Zohreh Vahidifard is a sculptor and painter who is part of it. 30 Birds (2) is the first piece she has shown in North America, although her work has been displayed nationally and in Europe. Vahidifard has mounted seven solo exhibitions and been part of over 70 collective shows of her history/fable-based sculptures and paintings.
Interested in art from an early age, the Tehran sculptor has a master’s degree in her two main disciplines. She started with drawing, painting decorations and graphics but recognized sculpture would enable greater freedom of expression, “the need for more and varied space” as she puts it. Her works are often based on historical events/traditional stories, continuing the majestic legacy of Iranian art and culture that has been nurtured for centuries.
30 Birds (2) — brought to downtown Creston by the Creston Valley Public Arts Connection Society — is based on Persian folklore. A flock of birds were angry with humans for shooting them and ruining their habitat. They flew ceaselessly until they finally reached Ghaf Mountain (Paradise). Only 30 were left to enjoy it. Vahidifard’s sculpture is them wingtip to wingtip. In light iron she has sculpted them in a large V, each a likeness of the other. Uniform in light grey, their swift-like, long forked tail feathers are countered by the rounded ruffles of the wings. It is an impressive piece, collectively grand through the stylized interpretation and replication of each of the chosen 30.
Where do you draw the inspiration for your sculptures, specifically this year’s entry?
Most of the Iranian literature. 30 Birds (Simurgh) is one story in Iranian folk literature. It is about a group of birds angry with the cruelty of hunters; therefore, they decided to change their place. They passed from mountains, valleys and different places. On the way, most of the birds were tired and died. Finally some of the birds reached Ghaf Mountain (paradise) where they rested, looked at each other and noticed only 30 birds together received true paradise.
Was there a defining time or moment in your life when you realized sculpting was something you wanted to do for a living?
In adolescence I thought I would become a doctor, but over time I became acquainted with the visual arts and realized the only thing that makes me happy is art. I started with drawings, graphics, makeup, decorations and I concluded I need a wider space, more varied and more numerous spaces in order to express my own thoughts. Thus I chose to become a sculptor.
What is the importance of the arts in today’s society?
Art and beauty are in the nature of each person. History narrates that, before the discovery of spoken language, art was a means to communicate between people. Art is the best means for direct contact between all communities all around the world that make individuals able to transmit their true inner feelings.
—CRESTON VALLEY PUBLIC ARTS CONNECTION SOCIETY