Mona Erfanian Salim

Understanding the power of storytelling is very important for having better cities. "The Story of the City" project creates a context to show the cultural capabilities of each city by artistically narrating the story of the people in the city, and at a higher level, indicates some common aspects between stories of cities with different cultures and geography. This art-project will discover and show situations in the city that create a story through the harmonization of people and places in the city. The continuity of these stories also makes the story of the city over time and is a part of the history of the city. https://thestoryofthecity.com/

In my daily routine, there are moments when I'm just passing the time. My doodles often come from these moments. When I find myself waiting for something or feeling a bit restless, I pick up a pen and start sketching. It's a way to let my mind wander and unleash creativity during a mundane day. Sometimes, these doodles become something more, sparking new ideas or providing a moment of distraction and artistic expression.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we have seen events that echo many important issues. What's crucial is the interconnectedness and intangible bonds between humans that we seem to have forgotten for many years. Now that human life is at risk, we have reverted to the ancient ways of our ancestors and, willingly or unwillingly, have contributed to saving the earth. The pandemic has taught us that humans, regardless of where they are in the world, are connected in a chain, and today, nature has shown us that nothing can sever this connection. This might provide a foundation for developing new ways of living in the post-Covid world.

Nature is the primary source of beauty and vitality. Therefore, I draw inspiration from nature to express my love for life. The sky, birds, flowers, meadows, and seas make me happy, relaxed and rejuvenated. I paint them to capture their freshness on paper and to share that joyful feeling with others.

Through color and form, my works represent my joy, sadness, desire, beliefs, and strength to be alive as a woman. I explore and celebrate the different emotional and energetic states of the women who breathe life into society: strong and vulnerable, innocent and guilty, healthy and suggestive, liberated and repressed, and finally, in a constant struggle to escape social taboos and judgments. Every work wants to show the parts of us that are broken or raw, the parts that are whole, and especially those that want to be wild and free. The result is pieces that honor the presence of women in the heart of human life with all its glory.

Over time, people have become increasingly reliant on cities. Therefore, people need to live in better cities to have a good life. A good city is formed by good citizens; the government cannot and should not build cities alone. Art can be a tool that fosters a positive relationship between citizens and governments, and cities can serve as the foundation for creating better communities. A city's success is contingent on the collaboration and active involvement of its citizens, local government, and various stakeholders. By leveraging the power of art and emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility, cities can become dynamic hubs that enrich the lives of their inhabitants and pave the way for a brighter future. I use a mixed-media approach, using materials that evoke specific and diverse sensory reactions to create an image. The black background symbolizes the urban context's dominance over the contemporary lives of women and men. The torn collage papers, scratched surfaces, bright golden spots or lines,