AZADEH GHOTBI

Azadeh Ghotbi is a London-based artist. She was born in Iran but has lived mostly between Europe and the United States; Brown University alumnus. Her media are painting and photography. Her work has been exhibited in Europe (Basel, London, Frankfurt, Paris), the Middle East (Amman, Cairo, Dubai) and the United States (Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC).

“My name, Azadeh, means "free-spirited" in Persian, a concept that embodies the essence of my artistic journey. This sense of infinite possibility and liberation from convention inspired me to step away from my original path and embrace art as my medium of self-expression. At first glance, my painting practice may appear purely abstract and gestural, but beneath the surface lies a deeply personal and autobiographical narrative.”

The artist reflects on the profound impact of being uprooted and exiled at a young age, carrying invisible scars that have shaped their resilience, adaptability, empathy, and heightened awareness. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for history, place, bias, manipulation, and multiple perspectives, which influence and enrich her creative work.

A key element of Azadeh’s artistic process involves painting on a canvas placed on the floor, which allows for movement and perspective. By engaging her body in a dance-like manner, they paint from various angles, unlocking new viewpoints and bringing depth and complexity to her art. In both painting and photography, the artist invites viewers to slow down and fully engage their senses, focusing their gaze to uncover layered meanings. Through this mindful observation, Azadeh aims to reveal the beauty in noticing the unseen.