While my paintings may initially appear as purely abstract gestural works, beneath their surface lies a deeply personal and autobiographical narrative. An early childhood marked by uprooting and exile and rebuilt over time living across continents has been further shaped by a lifetime observing patterns of human behaviour. These experiences inform the central themes of my work: questioning first impressions, uncovering unseen layers and embracing a multiplicity of perspectives.
My process is essentially based on movement and shifting perspective. I lay my canvas flat on the floor, circle around it and paint from multiple angles. This spatial engagement becomes a kind of choreography, guiding me into a heightened state of awareness. It sharpens my sensitivity to what lies beyond the conventional framed view allowing the work to evolve through subtle layers of texture and transparency. The resulting pieces are intentionally restrained, often rendered in muted tones, inviting close and sustained attention to fully uncover and reveal their complexity.
Whether through my paintings or more recent explorations in photography, my work aims to foster a deeper engagement with the deceptively simple yet indispensable act of looking. I aspire to encourage viewers to look more actively, to question what lies beneath complex layered surfaces, and to engage in a more mindful and empathetic way.
Azadeh Ghotbi is a London-based Iranian-American painter and photographer. Her work has been exhibited in Europe (Basel, London, Frankfurt, Paris), the Middle East (Amman, Cairo, Dubai) and the United States (Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC).