The Confessions Questionnaire

Your name/nickname.

Maryam.

Current mood in one word.

Emotional.

What is your favourite dish?

I like most dishes from Persian cuisine. As for European dishes, I like codfish with artichoke and asparagus (it is my favourite dish when I go to one of the restaurants in the neighbourhood).

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Favourite place you’ve travelled to and why?

Rome.

Favourite movie?

Gone with the Wind – is one of the first movies I saw when I was a teenager living in Iran. It had an impact on me. I was touched by the main character of the story for her strength. The film traces her survival through the tragic civil war and renewal and her love affairs. I was coping with the Iran- Iraq war as a young girl at the time …

Favourite book or poem and why?

The Name Of The Rose by Umberto Eco.

Your Life Motto or favourite quote?

“Life is a one-time offer, use it well.”

What or who inspires you the most in life?

I don’t think I have any answer to this question – it made me think too much and I still didn’t know who. I never followed any inspirational person in my life. But for example, the life stories of Frida Kahlo, Edith Piaf and Farah Diba are touching models of female force to fight and live a tragic life.

Three unique things about where you live?

Antwerp is a port city and has the River Schelde. I walk along the water quite often, especially when I feel emotional. Where I live is close to the river and a lively part of town, I like the contrast between the isolation of my studio and the bustling neighbourhood.

A piece of advice you’d give to your younger self.

Make a good plan for your journey.

How do you escape a creative block?

Everything in life is an inspiration – just have a good look around you.

Do you have a favourite colour?

No, all colours are my favourite.

Favourite art tool?

Brushes.

Is your studio messy or tidy?

Tidy.

Why did you become an artist?

My father directed me to become a painter.

What is the most challenging or exciting thing about being an artist?

Freedom.

Craziest artistic experiment you've tried.

Remaining an artist…

Funniest criticism you’ve received.

I have refused to compromise and accept publishing a book in which I didn’t agree with the text of the writer. The publisher compared me to a fanatic terrorist… I don’t know if this is the funniest criticism but definitely a critique that I will never forget.

Describe your style in three words.

Abstract-Figurative painter focused on socio-political issues.

Most memorable artistic achievement.

Botanic- National amalgamation project in Beijing.

If you could exhibit anywhere, where would it be?

Venice Biennale (either at the Iranian or Belgian Pavilion). But I would be a possible candidate for either, because I don’t represent either nationality.