My name is Anisa Mosaiebiniya, born and raised in Iran, currently based in the UK. Through my art, I channel both the resilience and the healing thathave been integral to my story, using it to convey my ongoing journey of selfdiscovery and empowerment.
Born: Iran
Now: Birmingham, United Kingdom
@anisaastudio | website
INTERVIEW
Could you share more about what inspires you to create artworks that capture the intersection of nature, emotion, and resilience?
My inspiration stems from deeply personal experiences of growth and transformation. Having faced significant challenges, particularly as a woman growing up in Iran, I sought solace in nature’s quiet persistence. The resilience of trees, their ability to endure harsh conditions while continuing to grow, resonated with me on a profound level. I see a direct parallel between nature’s cycles and the human experience – how we navigate adversity and emerge stronger. Through my art, I channel the emotions tied to my own journey of overcoming trauma, capturing this intersection of nature and resilience. My work reflects both the beauty of organic forms and the strength found in enduring hardship. By using muted tones and natural patterns, I aim to create pieces that evoke calm, invite reflection, and provide an emotional depth that speaks to the viewer’s own sense of resilience.
The theme of resilience is central to your work, especially in relation to your admiration for trees and their quiet persistence. Can you share more about how you incorporated this metaphor into your recent series of paintings and sketches?
In my recent series, the metaphor of trees as a symbol of resilience is woven throughout the pieces, each reflecting the profound connection I feel with their strength and quiet persistence. Trees endure storms, droughts, and harsh environments, yet they continue to grow, never rushing, but remaining rooted. This mirrors my personal journey, particularly as I faced societal pressures in Iran and the trauma that followed.
For example, in my painting *”It’s Me,”* the strong roots at the base symbolize stability, anchoring me through adversity. The piece portrays not just a tree, but my own soul’s endurance—growing patiently, yet persistently, despite challenges. In *”When I Got Free,”* I captured the emotional release of breaking away from limitations and embracing growth, much like a tree that grows stronger after being pruned.
By incorporating organic patterns, muted colors, and flowing forms, I’ve used the metaphor of trees to reflect how growth can be slow but steady.
Could you tell us more about the sketches you created during one of the most challenging periods of your life?
During one of the most challenging times in my life, when everything felt overwhelming, I turned to sketching as a way to process my emotions. At that moment, I found solace in observing trees—their quiet resilience in the face of adversity inspired me. I began sketching trees as a reflection of my own inner strength and patience.
One of these sketches stood out to me, with strong roots symbolizing stability and endurance. It captured how I felt at the time and became a powerful reminder to keep growing, even when life seemed out of control. These sketches later evolved into my paintings, embodying the resilience I gained during that period. Through them, I express the strength that comes from enduring and ultimately overcoming life’s challenges.
Anisa, one of the themes you explore in your portfolio is Natural Rhythms. Could you tell us more about this series?
In these series, I explore the connection between nature’s cycles and the human experience. Nature, with its seasons and rhythms, offers a sense of calm and predictability, which can be deeply healing. This idea resonates with my personal journey, where I’ve found strength in embracing life’s natural flow, even during challenging times.
The pieces in this series feature muted tones, organic patterns, and flowing lines that evoke serenity and refuge. Through these works, I aim to create a sense of calm escapism—spaces that encourage reflection and healing. Just as nature moves through its cycles with grace and persistence, I see my art as a way to remind viewers of the quiet, resilient rhythms we all carry within us, and how they can guide us through periods of growth and adversity.
What feelings and emotions did you experience when you won the People’s Choice Award at the History Present Future exhibition at Halifax?
Winning the People’s Choice Award at the *History Present Future* exhibition in Halifax was an incredibly humbling and affirming experience for me. It brought a deep sense of gratitude, not just for the recognition, but for the connection my work had with the audience. My art is deeply personal, rooted in themes of resilience and transformation, so knowing that it resonated with others on such a profound level was both emotional and validating. It reinforced my belief in the power of art to communicate shared experiences, and it motivated me to continue creating works that speak to the human journey of overcoming and healing.
What impressions did the international exhibitions in the UK and USA leave on you? How were they different from your previous exhibitions in Iran?
The international exhibitions in the UK and USA left a profound impression on me, offering a new sense of freedom and openness that was quite different from my experiences in Iran. In these settings, I found a broader audience who connected with my work on a universal level, particularly in themes like resilience and personal transformation. There was a genuine sense of curiosity and appreciation for the stories behind my pieces, and I felt more empowered to express myself without the cultural and societal restrictions that had once limited my voice.
In contrast, my exhibitions in Iran were often shaped by the boundaries imposed on artists, especially women. There, my work had to navigate societal expectations, and it wasn’t always easy to fully explore themes of identity and liberation. The shift to exhibiting in the UK and USA was liberating; it allowed me to showcase my authentic self and engage with audiences more deeply, making these experiences pivotal in my artistic growth.
What advice would you give to emerging artists in terms of learning and professional development?
My advice to emerging artists is to remain authentic to your personal journey, as your unique experiences will shape your artistic voice. Embrace the process of growth, both artistically and personally, and don’t shy away from exploring difficult emotions or themes in your work – these often resonate the most deeply with others.
Professionally, continue to seek learning opportunities through workshops, collaborations, and exhibitions.
Every experience, whether big or small, contributes to your development. Stay curious, always push your boundaries, and don’t be afraid to take risks in your art.
Lastly, build a strong network within the art community, as connecting with fellow artists, mentors, and curators will open doors to opportunities and provide valuable feedback for your growth.