BIOGRAPHY

Marjan Najafi (b. February 15, 1986) has always turned to art as a journey inward. From her days in Tehran, where her father encouraged her creativity with colored pencils and drawing paper, Her paintings explore the depths of human relationships and the hidden truths of life. She has always been fascinated by the ways people reveal—or conceal—themselves in their interactions, asking, “What is the true essence of human connection?”

Her work, often described as deeply personal and expressionistic, reflects themes of relations, and the contradictions of living in a society that imposes restrictions on individual freedoms. Marjan Najafi’s paintings seek to unearth the layers people hide, using honesty—sometimes expressed through nudity—not as a physical statement but as a metaphor for uncovering truth.

“**My art is about honesty—even if it’s painful to look at,**” she says.

In Iran, her work was often censored for its bold depictions of nudity and its critique of societal norms. Labelled as “immoral,” her art was denied the right to be shown publicly. However, She refused to remain silent. For her, painting was always a tool for expressing uncomfortable truths—from the struggles of women and the everyday pain of ordinary people to the power of raw sincerity.

Her first public group exhibition was marred by racist attitudes from fellow artists, a painful experience that deepened her sense of displacement and led her to question her identity and role in the art world. Yet, this experience became a catalyst for growth.

She employs Painting to express her artistic vision. Her art often begins with the body, personal experiences, and human relationships, using them as a lens to explore profound philosophical questions.

“**My work is about rites of passage, the passage of time, and the simple realization that we are always fighter,**” 
“**My art emerges from my soul, reflecting the society I live in and the events that shape my life. Its themes evolve with each stage of my journey, yet one thing remains constant: my unwavering commitment to honesty and fidelity to myself. I have never censored my work or compromised its integrity to cater to market demands. After all, how can a woman from the Middle East—always regarded as the second human—not become a fighter, a voice of protest, and a witness to the struggles of her people? My art is not just a reflection of personal truths but also a resistance against the constraints and injustices that have defined my world.**” Marjan Najafi reflects.

Membership

Associate member of the Iranian Painters Society