Mina Afshari

(IRANIAN)

Mina Afshari was born in Tehran, Iran. Her life and art are shaped by her journey from oppression to freedom. Growing up in Iran, she witnessed even the most basic human rights being denied while experiencing profound personal trauma that shaped her resilience and perspective. As a teenager, Mina rebelled against Iran's restrictive rules for women by cutting her hair short, wearing boy's clothing, and riding her bicycle at night to feel the wind of freedom in her hair. Her years of rebellion culminated in an arrest by the "morality police," where she boldly refused to comply with their demands. Her courage became a defining moment in her journey toward reclaiming her freedom.

After moving to the United States to care for her terminally ill mother, Mina faced immense grief and began a slow healing process. She started photography in 2020, initially to promote her farmer's market delivery business, but soon fell in love with capturing produce and flowers in the most flattering way. After closing her business, she invested in a DSLR and explored the contrasts between darkness and luminous light in her dimly lit Carmel apartment, creating striking compositions mirroring her personal journey. Mina exclusively uses natural light from a single window. Mina is currently a research assistant in the field of behavioral economics, where she explores the connection between personal history, decision-making, and the cause of compassion. Through her art, Mina seeks to inspire others to find hope, strength, and the courage to reclaim what may seem to have been lost.

Most works were made in the following sizes: 11 x 14 inches | 16 x 20 inches | 20 x 24 inches | 30 x 40 inches | 40 x 50 inches