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Ahura-Mazda, 2018/2022
Koushna NAVABI, an American-British artist of Iranian descent was born in 1962 and moved to the United States following the 1979 Islamic revolution. In 1993 she relocated to London to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree at Goldsmiths College, London University. Presently, she resides and works in London.
Navabi's artistic practice is focused on textile and multimedia which includes sculpture, installation and paintings. In her work, she skilfully reimagines traditional "feminine" techniques, infusing them with an expressive irony that challenges societal codes. Drawing inspiration from cultural myths and narratives surrounding Orientalism and gender identity, Navabi delves into themes of East and West, Iran, and otherness. Her work thrives on a dynamic interplay between the personal and the socio-political, often characterized by a provocative and ironic tone. With a distinct emphasis on three-dimensional forms, Navabi seamlessly intertwines elements of eroticism and politics. Her work evokes a delicate balance between tender sensuality and haunting horror, offering a unique female perspective on themes of suppression and sensuality.
Navabi's artistic vocabulary blends Persian kilim, stitches and vintage fabric with traditional sculptural media or found objects, shedding light on the profound sense of alienation that pervades much of her work, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity and belonging. Central to Navabi's work is her exploration of the human form, often depicted in states of vulnerability, rigidity, and intertwined with themes of sexual desire. This exploration serves as a nuanced commentary on the complex interplay between socio-political and economic forces, challenging conventional notions from both Eastern and Western perspectives. Her artistic engagement embodies a process of deconstruction, in which she dismantles cultural norms, regulations, and established beliefs. Through this process, Navabi delves into the interplay between the familiar and the surreal, the domestic and the otherworldly. Her art serves as a window into her personal emotional and psychological landscape, inviting viewers to navigate through layers of meaning and interpretation.
In 2022, Navabi founded the campaign, "Artists for Women Life Freedom”, an outdoor campaign that harnessed the voice of artists to produce widespread public billboard display in collaboration with public art institutions in Edinburgh, Wakefield, Dublin, and Paris. Through this initiative, the campaign achieved significant success in raising awareness for the Iranian Woman Life Freedom movement and revolution.