Afshan Daneshvar

Afshan Daneshvar is a Dubai-based, Iranian visual artist. Mentored in Persian calligraphy by her father, she has used it in her practice since 2004. Her meditative work is based on repetition, inspired by calligraphic practice sheets (‘siah mashgh’ in Persian), where words and letters are repeated regardless of meaning for the sake of perfection. Afshan seeks to translate the meaning behind ‘siah mashgh’. Since 2015, she has been exploring paper as a medium. There is an intense and minimalist approach to her work. She has held solo exhibitions in Iran, including ‘Boats Series’ (Dastan Basement, 2017), ‘Body Prints’ (Bokhara Gallery, 2008) and ‘Paraphrases’ (Etemad Gallery, 2006). Her work has appeared in group exhibitions, including ‘Image of the Self’ (Total Arts, Dubai, 2017), ‘BAHAR’ (Magic of Persia/British Museum, 2009). Her work is in the collection of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

Afshan joined Tashkeel in 2011 as Member 195. She has exhibited in ‘Made in Tashkeel’ (2016–2017).