Iranian artist Golbanou Moghaddas was born in Tehran where she discovered her passion for printmaking while doing her BA in Graphic Design. When she moved to London in 2008 she decided to apply for MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins giving her access to CSM’s historical etching studio. During her studies she dedicated all her time to learn more about this traditional skill in order to apply it into more contemporary image making. She graduated in 2011 with distinction.

“Inspired by personal experiences, my images are my diaries, yet more about the spiritual challenges rather than the events. I began my printmaking project with the series ‘Heart Stories’ which contains both abstract and narrative images, illustrating the emotional challenges of a feminine spirit confronting with unpleasant realities of life and seeking stability. ‘Heart Stories’ question the present situation and connect to more fundamental issues of existence.

Influenced by Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophy, that existence is typified by unrest, I continued my project in the series ‘Bone Stories’ by fantasising a life before birth. I wondered what if by being born and commencing life in this world one’s soul is actually detached from its true love, peace and everlasting stability. I looked at pelvis as a gate and the main entrance to this world.

The story of an individual soul through this journey is etched on the bones; this is an archaeological analysis of the human soul. In my most recent project ‘Prayers to the ancient goddess’, inspired by Persian Mythology and poetry, I wanted to reflect on everything I’ve been through in the past two years of studying, living and being in London. My journey in life and art, which are inseparable have not come to an end yet but I did feel the necessity to call the ancient goddesses merely to have a friendly conversation and let them know how fascinating it was what I gained and experienced in the past two years. Maybe I didn’t find what I thought I was looking for, yet what I found was indeed very unique.”