Interview with Mona Niko
Your artistic journey began in Tehran and has taken you across various continents and creative fields. How has this cross-cultural experience influenced your artistic vision and style, particularly in your move from Expressionism to mixed media and textiles?
The blend of Persian and Arab cultures from Iran to Dubai shaped my art with a unique fusion of patterns, colors, and themes, reflecting both tradition and modernity. Moving to the USA opened a new world of inspiration and allowed me to experiment boldly with mixed media, adding depth and texture to my work. Embracing textiles and various materials has made my art more tactile and immersive, each piece a testament to the freedom and creative evolution found along this journey.
The transition from painting to textiles and graphic design is a fascinating evolution. Could you walk us through the creative process behind blending these mediums? How do you achieve harmony between such diverse elements in a single piece?
Actually I graduated from high school with graphic design. Learning a lot from photography, textile for fabrics, architecture, home planning, etc. After that I entered university with an emphasis on painting for 4 years. Then after graduated and opened my gallery some of my artworks transferred onto T shirts with my original painting. Combining textile with graphic design.
Your art has a notable emphasis on both emotional depth and technical precision. How do you balance these often opposing qualities, especially as someone trained both in the raw, expressive elements of Expressionism and the meticulous nature of graphic design?
First of all, I listen to music and find one song that catches my vibe and play it constantly. Then emotion comes out, and I create something. It’s important for me to first sketch, because the first sketch shows exactly what can happen in the future. After the sketch, I move on to the canvas. Everything happens on the canvas, such as color and texture. Balancing emotion with precision feels natural when each piece begins with raw inspiration and then unfolds step by step. Music helps me channel the emotional side, while my background in graphic design reminds me to approach each layer thoughtfully. I aim to create work that is both spontaneous and carefully crafted, letting each detail enhance the overall mood and message.
Mona Niko Gallery stands as a creative hub, offering classes and events that bring the community together. How do you see your role in fostering creativity among aspiring artists, and what impact do you hope to make within the local community and beyond?
I would like my gallery to be a hub where I can support other artists, to display their work and be seen. I try within my community to do this better and more. Mona Niko Gallery stands as a creative hub, offering classes and events that bring the community together. I see my role as a mentor and collaborator, helping emerging artists gain visibility and confidence in their work. By creating a welcoming and inspiring environment, I aim to nurture a supportive network that encourages artists to experiment and grow. Ultimately, I hope Mona Niko Gallery becomes a space where creativity thrives, impacting not only the local community but also connecting with audiences beyond its walls.
The evolution of your work into home décor and fashion has expanded your artistic reach. In what ways do you feel these functional art forms influence the way audiences interact with and appreciate your work compared to traditional gallery pieces?
One of the other work I do is I work with interior designers and like this type of work since I enjoy the harmony of colors and combining it with my artwork. In home décor, my art becomes part of people’s everyday lives, blending seamlessly into their personal spaces and creating a constant connection. This functional approach brings a new layer of appreciation, as viewers experience the art in settings that feel intimate and meaningful. I find it rewarding to see how my pieces influence the ambiance of a room, adding beauty and energy in ways that go beyond traditional gallery displays.
Art as a career often involves navigating challenges and setbacks. Reflecting on your journey, could you share some pivotal moments that tested your dedication to art and how these experiences shaped your resilience and growth as an artist?
With the immigration I have done, gaps with my painting have occurred. But I was not far from it.
Moving to new countries meant starting over in many ways, which sometimes disrupted my creative flow and took me away from painting. Yet, each time, I found my way back to art, seeing these moments as chances to adapt and discover new inspirations. These challenges have strengthened my dedication, reminding me of the importance of my work and deepening my resilience as an artist.
Your gallery’s mission includes supporting emerging artists and promoting art accessibility. What advice would you give to emerging artists, especially those in regions with limited access to resources and platforms, who are striving to establish themselves?
I’d encourage emerging artists to actively network and look for local opportunities, even if they’re small, as each step can lead to greater exposure. Building connections within the community, whether through art shows, charitable events, or workshops, can open unexpected doors. It’s also important to be persistent and adaptable, finding ways to share your art, whether through pop-up events, online platforms, or collaborations with other creatives.
Textiles and mixed media are increasingly popular in contemporary art. How do you view the role of these materials in today’s art scene, and what drives you to experiment with textiles as a medium of artistic expression?
Textiles and mixed media bring a new dimension to contemporary art, allowing artists to explore texture, form, and interaction in fresh, engaging ways. I see these materials as bridging the gap between traditional art and the tactile experiences people crave today. Working with textiles enables me to infuse my pieces with depth and movement, inviting viewers to connect on a sensory level. This experimentation is driven by a desire to push boundaries, creating art that feels immersive and accessible while challenging conventional mediums.
As someone deeply engaged in both the creative and commercial aspects of art, from fine art to apparel lines, how do you navigate the line between artistic integrity and the demands of a broader consumer market?
Navigating the line between artistic integrity and consumer demand involves staying true to my creative vision while adapting elements to reach a wider audience. I focus on designing pieces that maintain my style and message, whether they’re in a gallery or a fashion line. This approach allows me to express myself authentically while also creating work that resonates with people’s tastes and lives.
Looking to the future, what are some directions or themes you’re excited to explore in your upcoming work? Are there any new mediums, collaborative projects, or themes that you feel will define the next phase of your artistic journey?
I would like for my upcoming work to collaborate with other designers to have my designs on clothing. Exploring wearable art excites me, as it allows my work to move beyond walls and become a part of people’s everyday lives. I’m also interested in experimenting with digital mediums, possibly incorporating interactive elements that blend technology and traditional art. Additionally, themes of cultural fusion and personal identity continue to inspire me, and I’d love to dive deeper into these concepts in future projects.
