About
Melika Shafahi is an Iranian-born photographer and video and film maker, trained inTehran,
whose work artfully bridges the gap between meticulously staged, static imagery and dynamic,
collaborative encounters. Her early work featured carefully orchestrated tableaux vivants
reminiscent of Western old-master paintings, where each element—blocking, color, and
light—was intentionally crafted. Over time, her practice evolved into a more immersive
approach, engaging directly with her subjects to create multi-layered portraits and installations
that transform conventional exhibition spaces into experiential journeys.
A recurring element in Shafahi’s work is the use of subtle “displacements” or glitches—small
anomalies that unsettle the expected harmony of a scene. These carefully introduced
imperfections invite viewers to question traditional notions of perfection and authenticity while
exploring the complex and, with the development of AI, highly topical interplay between reality
and artifice. Her projects not only capture the intimate nuances of human expression, but also
dissolve boundaries between diverse cultural and geographic contexts.
Drawing on her Iranian-French heritage and experiences in varied environments—from the
cultural crossroads of La Friche de la Belle de Mai in Marseille, to the other-worldly landscapes
of Hengâm Island in southern Iran, and the quietly nostalgic ambiance of her Cap-Ferret still
lifes—Shafahi creates an aesthetic of associations. Her art transports audiences into a timeless,
imaginative space where everyday objects and fleeting moments assume new meanings.
Through this innovative blend of staged precision and spontaneous interaction, Shafahi
redefines the role of the artist as both a storyteller and a catalyst for dialogue, forging
connections that challenge, inspire, and celebrate our shared humanity.