Most of my artworks describe the events that have happened in my life, and all are about women,” Mona Niko explained simply about her work, when we met in California where she is currently residing. It was a warm morning. Fall has arrived and leaves have been turning red and yellow.
The artist grew up in Iran. After graduating from AZAD University in Tehran with a diploma in visual arts and BA degree of painting, she left for Dubai. After twelve years in Dubai and six solo shows, she moved to the US. Mona said with a smile, “I have been dreaming to come to the United States for many years, since I believe here I can enjoy the freedom and opportunities for the advancement of my life and my art. My dreams have been fulfilled.”
Mona Niko is known for her figurative painting style. Her artworks convey her observation of human emotions. She gives the viewers multilayered aesthetic experience and trigger their visual interpretation. “My artworks are the dreams and aspirations I have. Most of my inspiration comes from music and through observing daily things in life. I constantly store ideas in my mind then bring them onto the canvas. Overall the message of my paintings is to empower people, especially women, around me,” Mona Niko explained.
She started her painting career with the expressionist style. After some time, she ventured into a different style which was a combination of graphic design and painting. This mixed-media style allowed her to buil several layers of forms and textures, which create a dynamic aesthetic value.
Her paintings reveal her pride of her Persian root. She explaines, “Iran has thousands years of history. The ancient ways of life still dominate parts of the society.” The artist uses the modern style to show her perspective on the past, the present and the future. Looking at her paintings on the wall, she commented, “In all of my works, there is the image of a lady who is living in the modern world but also have roots in the ancient culture.”
You can see more examples of her paintings in her website www.monaniko.com and her Instagram @monaniko_.
An artwork of Mona Niko
Fashion also plays an important role in her artworks. When she admires a fashion design, she would try to combine it in her paintings. The use of the Louis Vuitton logo to decorate the skin of her lady is an example. Niko revealled that she was also trying to bring some of her artworks onto garments.
Although being multilayered and figurative in art, Mona Nika prefers a simple fashion style. “I always believe in simplicity. I think simplicity is extraordinary by itself.”
*** Team Credit ***
Photography: AREZOO JALALI
Artist: MONA NIKO
Hair & Make Up: NADIA SERPOOSH
Retouching: MEHRAN CHITSAZ
Stylist: SKY JT NAVAL
Production: AREZOO JALALI
Set designer: VIDA NIKO
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
