Fragile Portrait of the Resilient Self
Sorour Fattahi
- Sitter: Sorour Fattahi
- Medium: Hair Embroidery on Silk Organza
- Dimensions: 60cm x 80cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
The delicate and economic use of line in this self-portrait give it a gentle and fragile quality. Sorour Fattahi looks quietly out at the viewer. It is only on close inspection it is apparent she has made this portrait from her own hair – a deeply personal medium.
The hair in this portrait alludes to Sorour’s mental health struggles. The challenges she has experienced in her life have resulted in stress related alopecia (hair loss), giving the work extra potency.
Choosing such a fragile medium, “…conveys the delicate yet resilient nature that can emerge from overcoming challenges like hair loss, mental health issues, the loss of familiar culture, comfortable language, and missing the home country.
“By using my own hair as thread, I highlight the intimate connection between the medium and my journey, symbolizing vulnerability and strength. This self-portrait represents not only my personal growth but also speaks to the universal themes of identity and the human capacity to overcome adversity.” The work is delicate and fragile but also brave and honest.
About the artist
Sorour Fattahi is a multidisciplinary artist, who uses various mediums and techniques to convey meaning. She moved to Brisbane from Iran in 2003 and graduated from QCA, Griffith University with an MVA (Research) in 2007. Since then, she has lived in England, Scotland, and Lithuania. She also has a MScR in Art from the University of Edinburgh, and her work has been exhibited internationally. Returning to Brisbane in 2023, her art focusses on questions of identity, in-betweenness, and personal growth despite adversity.
