10 Questions with Sonalika Vakili

Sonalika Vakili, born in Tehran, Iran in 1985, is an award-winning visual artist renowned for her groundbreaking photography. With a BA in Photography from the Art University of Tehran, she explores the complexities of human identity through her work, challenging conventional notions of self-expression.

Her photography has been featured in prestigious group exhibitions worldwide, including the Gothenburg International Poetry Festival and the Iranian Artists Forum. Notable solo exhibitions include "Auto Biography Series" at Aria Gallery Tehran in 2017 and "The Year 30" at Rischee29 Open Air Art Gallery Tehran in 2023.

Sonalika's talent has earned her recognition, including finalist positions at the "LICC" Show in London and honorable mentions at the IPA Awards. Her series like "Contemporary Goddesses" and "The Long Days of the Year" have received nominations at the FAPA Awards.

Through her captivating imagery, Sonalika Vakili continues to challenge perceptions and provoke thought, inviting viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

www.sonalikavakili.com | @sonalika_vakili

The Female Body as a Battlefield | Project Description

A multi-media exploration of the Female experience, this project delves into the powerful concept of the female body as a landscape of struggle and resilience. Through a compelling blend of photography, net art, and documentary footage, it aims to challenge the limited visual landscape surrounding this critical topic. By engaging with movies and document imagery, the project expands the online discourse, offering a richer and more nuanced perspective on this complex issue. Leveraging the power of imagery, the project aims to spark awareness and ignite conversation on social media, web pages, google searches, and even installations. Recognizing the profound impact of visuals, the project transcends the limitations of words, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the viewer. This multi-layered project starts with curated images that act as a launchpad for discovery. These visuals are then reproduced on high-quality art paper, turning them into artifacts. Modifying the prints through controlled techniques, like bleaching and scratching, adds elements of randomness and physical presence, resulting in textures and surprising visual outcomes. Subsequently, the adjusted prints are documented through photography, giving rise to a story emerging from the fusion of the initial image and the artist's alterations.

City of Life & Death (The Female Body as a Battlefield 14), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

INTERVIEW

You grew up and studied in Tehran, Iran. How has it influenced your artistic journey and your approach to visual art?

 Growing up and studying in Tehran, Iran, has significantly influenced my artistic journey and approach to visual art in several ways: Experiencing the socio-political environment of Iran has fueled themes of identity, struggle, and resilience in my art. These themes often reflect personal experiences and observations of societal changes. Also, my work involves creating digital layers of self-portraits and body images, emphasizing the discovery of identity. 

When did you decide you wanted to be an artist? And what inspired you to follow this career? 

My decision to pursue a career as an artist formed during my university studies in photography. It was a convergence of factors, including exposure to diverse social events, a deep-seated concern about self-identity, and the challenging socio-political landscape of Iran. Engaging in extensive research, reading, and navigating online platforms amid censorship further fueled my artistic aspirations. This journey ignited a passion within me to explore the intersection of art, identity, and societal dynamics, motivating me to embark on the path of a professional artist.

What is your experience like being a woman artist? What challenges do you confront, and how do you overcome them?

As a woman artist, my experience involves navigating various challenges, including gender inequality, limited representation, and societal expectations. Some of the specific challenges I confront include:
- Gender Inequality: Within the art world, gender disparities persist in terms of recognition, representation in exhibitions, and earning potential.
- Societal Expectations: Societal norms and expectations can impose additional pressure on women artists, impacting their creative freedom and self-expression.

To overcome these challenges, I actively engage in the following strategies:
- Networking and Advocacy: Building a strong network of fellow artists and advocates helps amplify my voice and increase visibility within the art community.
- Self-Promotion: Utilizing social media platforms and online galleries allows me to showcase my work independently and reach a broader audience.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Investing in ongoing education, skill development, and staying informed about industry trends empowers me to stay competitive and resilient in the face of challenges.

Your work is described as challenging and questioning the concept of constructed identities. Could you share with us some specific themes or concepts you explore in your photography to address this idea?

In my photography, I delve into various themes and concepts to challenge and question the notion of constructed identities. Some specific explorations include:
- Cultural Heritage: Through capturing images that reflect rituals and symbols, I explore how individuals construct their identities within the framework of their cultural heritage.
- Gender and Identity: I investigate the fluidity and complexity of gender identity, challenging binary constructs and societal norms through portrayals of gender-nonconforming individuals and diverse expressions of identity.
- Self-Reflection and Authenticity: My work delves into the introspective journey of self-discovery and authenticity, exploring how individuals navigate societal expectations and construct their authentic selves amidst external influences.
- Intersectionality: I address the intersectionality of identities, examining how factors such as race, ethnicity, and sexuality status intersect to shape individuals' experiences and perceptions of identity.
- Narratives of Resistance: Through visual storytelling, I highlight narratives of resistance against dominant cultural narratives, empowering marginalized voices and identities.
- These themes collectively contribute to a nuanced exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity construction in contemporary society.

Limbo (The Female Body as a Battlefield 21), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

How do you use photography as a medium to "delve into the complexities of human existence," and what messages or emotions do you hope to convey through your art? And how do you hope your photography impacts viewers and contributes to conversations about identity and human existence?

 In my photography, I use the medium to delve into the complexities of human existence by capturing moments and making staged scenes that reflect the intricate layers of identity formation and expression.
Through visual storytelling, I aim to convey messages of diversity, resilience, and the richness of human experience. I strive to evoke a range of emotions in viewers, from empathy and understanding to introspection and empowerment.
I hope that my photography sparks meaningful conversations about identity and human existence by challenging preconceived notions, amplifying marginalized voices, and celebrating the beauty of individuality. By highlighting narratives of resistance and exploring themes such as cultural and political structure, gender, and self-reflection, I aim to bring a deeper understanding of the diverse forms of human identities and experiences. 

Can you walk us through your creative process when conceptualizing and executing a new photography project? 

- Inspiration and Conceptualization: I start by identifying a theme or concept that resonates with me and aligns with the message I want to convey. This often stems from personal experiences, societal issues, or artistic exploration.
- Research and Planning: Once I have a concept in mind, I conduct thorough research to gather inspiration, understand the subject matter deeply, and explore different visual approaches. This stage involves brainstorming ideas, creating mood boards, and sketching out initial concepts.
- Pre-production: Before shooting, I plan every aspect of the project, including scouting locations, selecting subjects, gathering props or costumes, and determining technical requirements.
- Execution: now I have something in my mind and in my hand, so I proceed to capture the photographs, ensuring attention to detail and creative expression. During this phase, I remain flexible to spontaneous moments and unexpected discoveries that may enrich the project.
- Post-production: After the shoot, I review and select the best images, considering composition and emotional impact. I then use post-processing techniques to enhance the visuals, refine the narrative, and achieve the desired aesthetic.  This multi-layered project starts with curated images that act as a launchpad for discovery. These visuals are then reproduced on high-quality art paper, turning them into artifacts. Modifying the prints through controlled techniques, like bleaching and scratching, adds elements of randomness and physical presence, resulting in textures and surprising visual outcomes.
- Presentation and Reflection: Finally, I present the completed project to the audience through various mediums, such as exhibitions, online galleries, or publications. I reflect on the process, seeking feedback and evaluating how effectively the project communicates its intended message.

A Woman In Berlin (The Female Body as a Battlefield 20), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

Turtles Can Fly (The Female Body as a Battlefield 3), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

How would you describe your artistic style, and what elements or techniques do you commonly incorporate into your photography?

My artistic style can be characterized as a fusion of fine art photography and mixed digital media and Net Art. I strive to create visually compelling and conceptually rich imagery that challenges conventional perspectives. Some elements and techniques commonly found in my photography include:
- Mixed Digital Media: I blend various digital techniques to create layered and multidimensional visuals, incorporating elements such as digital manipulation, collage, and compositing.
- Conceptual Narrative: Each photograph tells a story or conveys a specific concept, often exploring themes related to identity, femininity, and societal constructs.
- Experimental Approaches: I enjoy experimenting with unconventional methods and materials, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography to evoke emotional responses and provoke thought.
- Symbolism and Metaphor: Symbolic imagery and metaphorical elements are frequently integrated into my work, adding depth and layers of meaning to the visual storytelling.
- Textural and Visual Contrast: I play with contrasts in texture, color, and composition to create dynamic and visually striking compositions that captivate the viewer's attention.
- Fine Art Printing: The final presentation of my work often involves meticulous fine art printing techniques, utilizing high-quality paper to enhance the sensible and aesthetic experience.
Through these elements and techniques, I aim to engage viewers on an intellectual and emotional level, inviting them to interpret and connect with the imagery in their own unique way.

Are there any particular photographers or artists who have inspired or influenced your work, and if so, how? 

Sure, it's obvious that every artist's style resonates with the works of several renowned or even unknown artists who have left a significant impact on the art world.
 Here's how each of them may have influenced or inspired my work: 
- Eva And Franco Mattes: Known for their provocative conceptual art and exploration of digital culture, their boundary-pushing approach may have inspired your experimentation with mixed digital media and conceptual narratives.
- Nicholas Nixon: Intimate and documentary-style portraits, Nixon's focus on capturing raw emotions and human experiences may have influenced your emphasis on storytelling and portraying the human condition.
- Cindy Sherman: Self-portraits exploring themes of identity and representation, Sherman's work may have influenced your exploration of constructed identities and the female experience.
- Azadeh Akhlaghi: Known for her powerful and thought-provoking photography addressing social and political issues, Akhlaghi's work may have inspired your aim to spark awareness and ignite conversations through visual storytelling.
- Marina Abramović: Renowned for her performance art that explores the limits of the body and mind, Abramović's emphasis on pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions may have influenced your experimental approaches and conceptual narratives.
- Barbara Kruger: Known for her bold and provocative text-based artworks that critique consumerism and gender stereotypes, Kruger's use of symbolism and metaphor may have resonated with your incorporation of textual elements and social commentary in your work.
- Ayana V. Jackson: Recognized for her photographic explorations of race, gender, and historical narratives, Jackson's emphasis on intersectionality and visual storytelling may have influenced your exploration of identity and societal constructs.
- Ali Rajabi: As an Iranian contemporary artist, Rajabi's work may have provided cultural and artistic influences, shaping your perspective and approach to storytelling and visual expression.
- Katerina Belkina: Self-discovery, historical aspects, and fabulous staged photography with amazing postproduction techniques.

City of Life & Death (The Female Body as a Battlefield 4), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

City of Life & Death (The Female Body as a Battlefield 12), Photography, Mixed media, 2024 © Sonalika Vakili

What future projects or themes are you interested in exploring through your photography?

 In my future fine art projects, I aim to delve deeper into the themes of identity, culture, and societal narratives. Drawing inspiration from my previous works, I intend to continue exploring the complexities of human existence through the lens of photography and also mixing different mediums of art. Specifically, I am interested in:
- Cultural Heritage and Identity: Continuing to explore how individuals construct their identities within the framework of cultural heritage, rituals, and symbols.
- Social Commentary: Addressing societal issues and narratives through visual storytelling, empowering marginalized voices, and challenging dominant cultural narratives.
- Intersectionality: Examining how various factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality intersect shape individuals' experiences and perceptions of identity.
- Narratives of Resilience: Highlighting narratives of resilience and resistance against societal norms, showcasing the strength and diversity of human experiences. 

Lastly, as an award-winning visual artist, what are your aspirations or goals for your artistic career in the coming years?

In the coming years, I envision several goals to further elevate my artistic career:
- Exploration of New Mediums: Continuously experimenting with diverse mediums and techniques to push the boundaries of my artistic expression and create innovative works.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with local and global communities through art initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs to foster creativity and inspire the next generation of artists.
- Social Impact: Using art as a powerful tool for social change, addressing pressing societal issues, and advocating for marginalized voices and causes.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Committing to lifelong learning by attending workshops and residencies and pursuing further education to enhance skills and deepen artistic concepts.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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