About

My name is Atena, and my journey as a painter is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences in Iran. Born in Isfahan and raised in Tehran, I grew up in a middle-class family where the values of creativity and education were paramount. My mother, a teacher, and my father, a mechanical engineer, fostered an environment where imagination flourished.

From a young age, I was captivated by the vibrant colors surrounding me. I still vividly remember our neighbor, a talented vitrāy artist, whose work mesmerized me when I was just four or five years old. The vivid hues and intricate designs sparked a lifelong passion for color and form. My favorite place was Alphi bookstore, a magical corner of my childhood filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves of books and a treasure trove of art supplies, including my beloved 72-color Faber-Castell set.

Art has always been a refuge for me. I fondly recall watching my father create beautiful free-style calligraphy, entranced by the rhythmic sound of his pen gliding over glass paper. While my peers focused on homework, I found solace in drawing, using art as a way to express my innermost thoughts.

My educational path led me to the University of Art and Architecture in Tehran, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of painting. My first job at the Reza Abbasi Museum, teaching children how to paint, was a transformative experience. Working with young minds filled me with joy and inspiration; their innocence and purity resonate deeply in my art. I discovered that their unfiltered creativity mirrored my own, leading me to explore a vibrant palette and a playful approach to composition.

In addition to my father’s influence, my artistic journey has also been shaped by my aunt, a talented miniature artist and a student of Master Farshchian. Her intricate miniatures have left a lasting impression on me, inspiring elements of detail and storytelling in my own work. This connection to traditional Persian art infuses my paintings with a sense of history and depth, allowing me to bridge the past and present through color and form.