Artist Statement

In my artistic practice, I converge ceramics, printmaking, and cartography, creating works that not only captivate the visual senses but also embrace functionality. It took me years to perfect my technique. By seamlessly blending these mediums, I strive to convey narratives that celebrate the inherent connection between my Iranian background, my visual sensibilities as an architect, and my personal human experience.

Ceramics serve as the foundation of my creative expression, offering a tactile and malleable medium that enables me to manifest my artistic vision. Printmaking, with its inherent ability to replicate and disseminate imagery, empowers me to introduce elements of cartography and graphic design into my artistic exploration.

In this amalgamation of disciplines, cultural functionality takes center stage. I seek to create pieces that not only serve as aesthetically pleasing objects but also engage with the cultural heritage they embody. These functional ceramic works not only invite contemplation and appreciation but also intertwine seamlessly with everyday life, becoming conduits for cultural exchange and personal narratives.

As I transfer intricate maps, topographies, and navigational charts onto my ceramic surfaces, I navigate the boundaries between art and function. This fusion bridges the gap between the physical and metaphorical landscapes, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journey that unfolds beyond the boundaries of traditional table setting.

I want to challenge preconceived notions of functionality and art's role in society. By merging the realms of ceramics, printmaking, and cartography, I stimulate a dialogue between different disciplines and cultures. Each piece I create holds the potential to transcend its physical boundaries, inviting viewers to explore the narratives and histories interwoven within its form.

Ultimately, my work seeks to evoke a sense of interconnectedness, reminding us of the shared human experiences that transcend cultural divides. By embracing the intersection of ceramics, printmaking, and cartography, I hope to inspire conversations, celebrate diversity, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our world.

Artist Bio

Rana Amirtahmasebi is a ceramicist and print maker in New York. An immigrant from Iran, she seeks to evoke a sense of interconnectedness, reminding us of the shared human experiences that transcend cultural divides. Rana chose ceramics as the foundation of her creative expression, offering a tactile and malleable medium that enables her to manifest her artistic vision. In contrast, printmaking, with its inherent ability to replicate and disseminate imagery, empowers Rana to introduce elements of cartography and graphic design into her artistic exploration. Rana is an architect, urban planner, and a cultural policy expert working on cultural projects around the world.