Disrupted Lives

Artist Biography

Zari Etemadi's journey as an artist began unexpectedly within a career rooted in architecture. Despite her early passion for art, she pursued architecture at her parents' encouragement, excelling at the University of Tennessee’s School of Architecture, where she became its first female and international valedictorian. After graduating, Zari joined Jung/Brannen Associates in Boston in 1985, contributing to high-profile projects in Boston and later Dubai, UAE. A pivotal moment came in 1998 when she commissioned an artist to create a 2.5-meter painting for the Dubai Police Academy Officers Club. When the artist withdrew from the project, Zari took a leap of faith and completed the painting herself—marking the beginning of her professional art career.

Following the success of this piece, Zari was soon sought out by interior designers for large-scale commissioned works, prompting her full transition into freelance commercial art. Her client list quickly grew to include Dubai Festival City, Jumeira Rotana Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, TNT, XEROX, and various private establishments across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As a self-taught artist, Zari demonstrated remarkable versatility across styles and media, meeting the demands of a wide range of high-profile projects and private clients.

Beyond her commissioned work, Zari has developed an expansive personal portfolio that spans multiple series, styles, and media. Her art captures the emotional weight of Iran's cultural loss following the 1979 revolution—a sentiment deepened by her Iranian-American identity. Drawn to her roots, she explores ancient textures and symbols, such as the intricate details of traditional Iranian doors, while also addressing the political issues that have disrupted the lives of many Iranians.

Now based in Austin, Texas, Zari channels her nostalgia for her cultural past into works that explore themes of women's struggles, distorted realities, and cultural memory. Her art seeks to revive Iran’s romanticism, beauty, and poetry, addressing the resilience and the challenges of preserving identity in a complex world. Through her artwork, Zari invites audiences to connect with Iran's rich heritage and reflect on the political challenges that have impacted its image.