Ali Rahimi

The subjects of my paintings are searched in the lives of immigrants. And these paintings are not just paintings. Because they tell a story, a story of war, migration, protest and resistance. Sad faces and direct looks at the spectators, pain and joy in them, in which suffering has always been more and this is the truth of life, women among intertwined bodies. And they shout, they are no longer silent in the face of oppression. And I say this truth in my paintings. It is clear what geography my subjects belong to and what it narrates, I try to penetrate the faces of my subjects and narrate what they felt. As an immigrant, I have these feelings inside me and I try to share them with others.

 I am in Iran. Unfortunately, living as an artist in Iran is very difficult, because according to Iranian law, Afghan refugees are not allowed to do art here, and that is why I had serious financial problems. An Iranian wanted to buy a painting from me. Unfortunately, when he found out that I was Afghan, he gave up. And censorship is high here.

It would be great if I could work in another country, but if I had to stay in Iran,  it would be  good for me to be able to sell my paintings.

 Ali Rahimi

All images courtesy the artist.
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