Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandana Ranjbar
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a loving and respectful environment, nurtured by my Iranian parents. My father, though not an artist himself, had a profound appreciation for the arts, especially photography. This passion seemed to be in my blood from the beginning. When I was five years old, I held a camera for the first time—my father’s—and took my first photograph. My parents’ praise encouraged me to continue, and soon, much of my free time was spent wandering around, capturing the world through my lens.
As I entered high school, my interests expanded beyond photography to include painting, literature, and philosophy. These new explorations deepened my understanding of the world and the way I wanted to express myself. However, despite my growing passion for the arts, pursuing a career in art was not acceptable in my family. At that time, art was seen more as a hobby than a legitimate profession. Science, on the other hand, was mandatory, and I found myself studying to become an engineer, however, I chose to follow both paths, majoring in engineering while also studying photojournalism.
During this period of balancing two worlds, I came of age amidst cultural and social turmoil. Though as a child I wasn’t fully aware of the complexities surrounding me, my connection to art allowed me to interpret and express my emotions about the world around me. Photography became more than just a way to capture moments; it was a lens through which I could better understand my surroundings and myself.
At the age of twenty, I began pursuing photography professionally. However, I soon encountered discrimination based on my gender, which was a common challenge in my early career. These difficulties pushed me to explore new genres, eventually leading me into fine art photography. I also spent over a decade working as a live theater photographer, an experience that taught me invaluable lessons about both photography and the intricacies of storytelling in theater. This period shaped my understanding of narrative, emotion, and the human condition, themes that became central to my work.
Over time, my curiosity led me toward conceptual art. This evolution felt natural, as I’ve always sought ways to push the boundaries of my creativity. I began combining art with themes such as human rights and social issues, allowing me to express my ideas in powerful new ways. Photography alone was no longer enough; I wanted to merge it with deeper concepts and provoke thought and dialogue.
Eager to expand my knowledge and refine my practice, I pursued a Master’s degree in Art at the University of Houston. This academic journey was transformative, providing me with the space to experiment and develop new artistic concepts. During my studies, I explored the intersection of traditional and digital mediums to express complex social and emotional themes, which further broadened my artistic vision.
After completing my degree, I found myself drawn to teaching. Helping others discover their artistic voice became as fulfilling as creating my own work. Over the past several years, I have taught photography and digital arts at the university level. This role allows me to mentor and guide young artists in finding their own creative paths while continuing to grow as an artist myself. Today, my work explores the intersection of art, society, and human rights, while my teaching keeps me connected to the next generation of creators, who inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges along the way have been an essential part of my growth. In the beginning, I faced difficulties within the society. Pursuing an artistic path in a community where certain expectations were deeply ingrained wasn’t easy. I often found myself at the intersection of societal norms and my own creative aspirations, but those early challenges gave me the strength to push boundaries and carve out my own space.
Balancing a double major was another significant challenge, as it required managing both academic and creative pursuits simultaneously. This was demanding, but it taught me discipline, resilience, and the ability to see how diverse fields can complement and enhance one another.
Migration added yet another layer to my journey. Moving to a new country brought both excitement and uncertainty. While it was difficult at first to find my footing and establish myself as an artist, this experience allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It taught me how to navigate unfamiliar spaces and cultures, and it pushed me to be more resourceful and open to new perspectives.
In both my academic and professional life, there were moments of struggle—rejections, doubts, and the challenge of finding opportunities to showcase my work. But every setback became a stepping stone, motivating me to keep going and refine my artistic voice. Through these experiences, I learned that persistence, adaptability, and passion are the keys to creating a meaningful artistic journey.
Ultimately, while the road hasn’t been easy, each challenge has shaped me into a more thoughtful and determined artist. It’s these struggles that have allowed me to evolve, and I’ve come to see them as a necessary part of the creative process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my primary medium, photography, I employ digital equipment alongside various props and objects to create staged photographs that resonate with human rights concerns and social issues. My art aim to visually depict complex and vital issues affecting woman worldwide, such as social and psychological pressures, lack of freedom, and gender inequality.
I strive to establish a more harmonious relationship between external societal factors and internal attitudes. By asking questions about women’s feelings, I seek to connect their emotions with their memories, creating surreal scenes that symbolize these concerns. Through my art, I aim to address the inner emotions of diverse women, portraying their feelings and the challenges they face due to opposition in politics and religion. My work serves as both a reflection of their experiences and an invitation to engage in dialogue around these significant issues.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect with viewers through my art. Each piece I create is not just a representation of my thoughts or feelings but also an invitation for others to engage with those ideas.
What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective, shaped by my personal experiences and cultural background. My journey as an artist has been influenced by societal challenges, which adds depth to my work. Additionally, I create a distinct visual language that reflects my multifaceted identity.
Ultimately, I believe that art has the power to bridge gaps and foster understanding, and I aim to contribute to that dialogue through my work.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising aspect that most people might not know about me is my background in software engineering, which gives me a unique perspective as an artist. I possess a dual mindset that allows me to comprehend both the technical and artistic realms deeply. This understanding enables me to appreciate the nuances and influences each domain has on the other.
In today’s world, where technology and art are increasingly intertwined, I strive to leverage this connection in my work. By exploring innovative tools and techniques, I can enhance my artistic expression while remaining attuned to the impacts of technology on our lives and emotions. This fusion not only enriches my creative process but also reflects my belief that art should adapt and respond to the complexities of our evolving society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mandanaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandana_ranjbar_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandana.ranjbar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mandanaranjbar1538
Image Credits
Mandana Ranjbar
