Behnaz Sohrabian

“The job of the artist is always to deepen the art.”

BIOGRAPHY

Born and educated in Kermanshah, Iran, Behnaz Sohrabian discovered her love of art, freedom, and creative expression as a small child, developed a passion for painting, and began her professional art career at the age of 10. Behnaz has earned a B.S. in Applied Chemistry, a B.A. in Painting, and a Master of Arts in Art Studies. After completing her Master’s degree she immigrated to the United States in 2010 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2017.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

How are your background and life experiences connected to your art?

Looking back in time I've realised how my art is a reflection of my life experiences, which has been molded through my encounters with different people as well as locations and subject matters. Each leaving a good or bad mark in this overall journey, called life!

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

Toulouse Lautrec, Edward Hopper, Degas, Euan Uglow, Egon Schiele, Honore Daumier, Lucian Freud…

How have you developed your artist career?

I try to travel to different countries to see art galleries and museums. I teach drawing and have a Demo and workshops. I also follow my favorite artist's artwork.

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

I try to create a kind of artwork that can convey feelings without words, touch people, and tell a story of life.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

Yes, it does. My work is about me, my life, about women. I paint women as people, strong people with depth and power. They are delicate and sensitive sure but not weak.

Do you have a particular story that stands out from your career as an artist?

I was only 14 years old when the revolution in Iran happened. A lot has happened in the last 43 years. All of a sudden, we all had to wear headscarves and cover-ups. You start feeling like you are living a double life... You are forced to do and look a certainty even though you were not raised to believe in those ideologies. As a woman and as an artist I always felt like I was being silenced. You can see that in my art from when I was back in Iran and even my bachelor's degree thesis was titled "Lonely Human." I realize how interconnected my practice is with all aspects of my life.

What is one thing you would like your audience to know about you?

One thing I do know is that I have a deep need to create. I am not able to relax or be at ease until I have a few hours of painting or sketching.i have to release that energy. I feel totally alive and energetic.

Which current art world trends are you following?

Expressive realism

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery gallery?

I like how Susan care about her artists and her art gallery.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

Friendly atmosphere

WATCH

Behnaz Sohrabian: Oklahoma’s Immigrant Women Artists

ARTIST STATEMENT

Using easy brush strokes and with emphasis on light and shadow as well as the dynamic between the subject and background, I will transfer the essence of my Life and art experiences onto my canvas.