Neda Darzi
Iranian videomaker
Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
Neda Darzi, born 1971 in Tehran, lives and works in Tehran, Iran. Founder of Persbook online Competition-2010.
Full time freelance artist. Master of Fine Arts in 1998 -Tehran University of Art. Has held 8 solo exhibitions and taken part in more than 46 group shows in Iran, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Greece.
By using some of her original tapestry, ceramic, painting and photographs, she has also been involved with making conceptual video installations, which reflect Iranian culture as well as her own identity.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
Since 2002 – â€HANDS†with Farideh Shasavarani, I recorded with a simple camcorder.
3. What kind of subjects has your films?
Humanity.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
Since 2005 I started to focus on photo-animated videos.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
Just a camera & camcorder.
6. The field of “art and moving images†(one may call it videoart or also differently) is manifesting itself as an important position in contemporary art. Tell me more about your personal position and how you see the future of this field (your personal future and the future of “art and moving imagesâ€)
My interest in video installation is the creation of a simulated experience. The archiving of information and imagery is much like the memories I have collected from my past and my childhood. In contrast to the tactility of my tapestry sculptures, the projected moving image requires only the act of watching from the viewer. Unlike sculptures that are within our physical space and have direct interaction with the viewer, video installations are imitations of reality. I am interested in combining these two media to engage the viewer both physically and virtually. I need financial support, in order to continue working with video in the future.
Iran has produced an astonishing quantity of interesting art in recent years – it is undoubtedly the creative powerhouse in the visuals arts of the Middle East. It has been particularly strong in photography and video arts. Some of the photographs and videos that were shown here emerged from Persbook competition for young Iranian artists run on Facebook last year and this year, where I have the honor to be the founder.
7. How do you finance your films?
Finding Sponsors, my last sponsor was in 2007 – for “the sky border is my home land”.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I do work as a director in teamwork for making videos. The inspiration for my work comes from my journal, personal stories from childhood as well as observation of everyday life experiences. Though my work examines most media such as painting, ceramic and photography, my current body of works are mostly three-dimensional tapestry sculptures, installations and video art. These variances in process and aesthetic allow me to explore both the analytical and intangible nature of life.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
My own personal experiences in life and my society.
10. What are your plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
Making them easily without waiting for sponsors, marketing, going to the best film festivals…
Can works of yours viewed online besides on CologneOFF or VideoChannel? Where?
List some links & resources
http://www.nedadarzi.com/video.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQhSLp1RbE