Artist Profile
Ali Rahimi
Afghan artist based in Iran
Ali Rahimi is an Afghanistan-born artist whose work is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of migration, war, and the immigrant struggle. Born in 1995 in Afghanistan, Rahimi moved to Iran with his family at the age of seven, where he began painting at the age of ten. His art is a powerful reflection of his lived experiences, focusing on themes of displacement, protest, resistance, and the emotional landscapes of those who have been uprooted by conflict. Rahimi’s paintings are not just visual compositions; they are stories of pain, joy, suffering, and survival, often depicted through powerful, direct portraits of women and intertwined bodies that speak to the resilience and defiance of the oppressed. Despite facing significant challenges as an Afghan refugee in Iran, including severe restrictions on his ability to create and sell art, Rahimi remains committed to expressing the truths of his journey. His work reflects a deep desire to connect with others through shared experiences of hardship and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.