Shabnam Tavakoli

Tehran- Iranian painter Arzoo Safai organized a solo painting exhibition at Gooye Art House in Tehran from February 14 to February 20. “My interest in painting goes back to my childhood. After growing up, I decided to be a painter,” she said.

 Studying art at Soore University (SU) in Tehran, she said, “There is a great difference between my paintings at university and now. When I was a student, I used to paint houses, stores, etc. Now, I address social issues and the darkness of life in my paintings. I like showing this darkness, industrialization and loneliness of people.”

‘I want to give happiness to people with my paintings’

After graduating from university, Arzoo Safai got married. “I stopped painting for a while after the birth of my daughter Hana. My daughter is the source of happiness in my life. Hana grew up in an environment in which she heard bad news. I began to paint flowers and nightingales to get rid of the negative energy surrounding her. Actually, I have been interested in flowers since my childhood. When I was a child, I used to take photos of nature. There was at least a flower in the photos. I organized a solo exhibition in Tehran called ‘Nightingales with Leaves of Flowers’. My paintings may bring hope to everyone. I reflect good feelings in my paintings far away from the dark sides of life and resentful life. The people visiting my exhibition told me that they felt better when they saw my paintings.”

‘I hope my paintings will bring hope to everyone’

Arzoo Safai concluded her speech saying, “Due to the current conditions in our country, people sometimes feel disappointed. Since I am hopeful for the future, I want to give hope to other people with my paintings. I hope my paintings will bring hope to everyone. I know very well that women have many responsibilities, but if they do what they know, it will pave the way for people. I do what I know and teach my daughter what I know.”