Sasan Sahafi
I am a London-based artist creating abstract kinetic sculptures. Born in Tehran and raised in Istanbul, I moved to London a decade ago. With a background in architecture and science, I transitioned from a 15 year architecture career to focus on my art career three years ago, integrating my creative background into my artistic expression through kinetic sculptures.
My art journey began with personal introspection and now examines societal structures and human interactions. My work employs mechanical movement and audience interaction, exploring themes of psychoanalysis of individuals and social mechanisms, using abstract geometry, light, sound, and movement. A previous series, “Death Rituals,” delved into a well-known ritual, while my current focus is on societal power dynamics.
I have participated in various group and solo exhibitions, including a residency with the Barbican Arts Group Trust. In 2023, I showcased my work at the Yunus Emre Institute, in London and the Nunnery Gallery in Bow. I have been shortlisted for the VAA International Exhibition & Scholarship Prize in 2024 and currently work out of an art studio with Bow Arts Trust in Southeast London.
Exhibitions & Awards
VAA International Exhibition & Scholarship Prize
Shortlisted
March 2024
Bring Your Light: Bow Arts x Chila Burman
Oct-Dec 2023
Curator: Chila Burman
Nunnery Gallery, London / UK
5th Turkish community Art Exhibition
05-25 May 2023
Yunus Emre Institute London/UK
The Gate of the Void – Solo Exhibition
13-15 May 2022
Barbican Arts Group Trust. London UK
The Gate of the Void – Artist residency
4th April-13 May 2022
Barbican Arts Group Trust. London/UK
ArtWorks Open 2021, Residence Prize winner
4th – 12th Dec 2021
BAGT London/UK
The Port Tower(s) of the Forest, The Will+Partners Award
July 2020
Will+Partners London / UK
“Liked” design, Solo Exhibition
29 March -30 April 2019
UoB, SoAD, Mithras House Exhibition Hall, Brighton/UK
Designer Background
2011-2021 Senior Architectural Designer
London / UK
2005-2011 Senior Architectural Designer
Istanbul / Turkey
2001-2005 Furniture, Interior and Architectural Designer
Istanbul / Turkey
Architectural works
Education
University of Brighton
Master of Architecture, MArch, 2020 Brighton / UK
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
Bachelor of Architecture, BArch, 2001 Istanbul / Turkey