Mohanna Fazli-Alishah, a London-based Persian artist whose journey, despite a foundation in graphic design, has evolved towards the expressive realm of painting. Her current project, "Wrapped in Tradition," unfolds as a celebration of the duality within southern Iranian culture, particularly focusing on the mysterious masked women of the region.
Having spent eight formative years in the culturally rich south of Iran, Mohanna's childhood left her with a profound connection to the traditions that shaped her artistic perspective. "Wrapped in Tradition" is a series of portraits featuring women adorned in burqas, serving as a visual exploration and questioning of the cultural values embedded in southern Iran.
This project is Mohanna's attempt to lend a voice to a culture that once symbolized power and pride but now teeters on the brink of erasure. Each portrait in the series captures the exquisite design of the mask, the patterns of the scarf, and the decorative frame, encapsulating the richness and complexity of a culture that defies assumptions and yearns to be heard.
As an artist, Mohanna sees her journey as just beginning, and she is committed to navigating the complexities of cultural preservation. Through her work, she aims to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of a heritage that has deeply influenced her artistic expression.