For me, art is more than a medium for personal expression; it is a mission that aims to enlighten and awaken society, like a light in the darkness. Years of teaching, experience, and exploration in art history and the works of great artists such as Kathe Kollwitz and Francisco Goya have led me to believe that art, like a flowing stream, possesses a profound power to recount the hidden realities of human relationships and communities.
The human figure in my works serves as a mirror that reflects rich emotions and the bitter, often untold realities of the human condition. These human dimensions, embedded in every line and color, harbor hidden stories and the silent melodies of hearts, reminding us that beneath every face lies a story waiting to be told. The eyes, gazes, and facial expressions in my paintings act as windows to the soul, serving as key tools that help me convey untold truths and hidden narratives of everyday life, transcending borders and cultures.
In my works, I utilize mixed media techniques, blending materials such as acrylic, charcoal, conte, pastel, markers, and colored pencils. This approach allows me to depict deeper layers of emotions and concepts, creating a dynamic visual language. Every trembling line and soft layer of color I employ reflects the contrasts and complexities of society that people, regardless of geography or background, confront.
In a world that seems filled with beauty, discomforts, inequalities, and social pressures are palpable—challenges that can exist anywhere. Silence, denial, and indifference often prevail. I believe that the mission of artists is to break this silence and encourage people to think and act. The goal of my creations is to awaken minds and prompt audiences to view the hidden bitterness and beauty in shared human challenges with open eyes, striving for social justice and improvement of societal conditions.
I hope for a day when all people, regardless of where they live, can free themselves from the pressures of adversity, regain their dignity, and experience a space filled with freedom and joy. My ultimate aim is for art to be an invitation to awakening and a message of hope for better days—when all humans, regardless of color or race, can be free and live their beliefs without fear of censorship or repression.
With hope for peace, friendship, and a world free from violence, I envision a future where love and justice triumph over darkness, like a shining sun.
Akram Esteki