Capturing the Echoes of Nature and Humanity Through Art

Nestled in the heart of Providence, Sheida Soleimani's life and work are a testament to the profound intersections between art and environmental activism. As an interdisciplinary artist with a powerful backstory of human rights advocacy, Soleimani’s art delves deeply into themes of governmental power, but it's her unique commitment to bird rehabilitation that adds an intriguing layer to her narrative.

Soleimani operates the "Congress of the Birds," a wild bird rehabilitation clinic at her home, driven by a passion to mend the winged casualties of urban life and environmental neglect. This clinic, fueled by volunteer efforts, treats over 1,000 birds annually, many victims of car collisions or diseases like West Nile Virus, which Soleimani notes are "on the rise due to climate change." The dedication extends beyond immediate care, as evidenced by a generous donation that recently expanded the sanctuary by 42 acres in Chepachet, R.I., providing a much-needed space for birds to recuperate and regain their strength.

The integration of her art with her activism has become a focal point for Soleimani, who used to keep these aspects of her life distinct. The turning point in her approach is captured in her poignant reflection, “How many times are you going to actually see an animal in your hand close up suffering and dying because of something that humans have done? That’s something I do on a daily basis. Why wouldn’t I include that in my work if that’s a story that could be told?” This question marks a significant shift in her artistic narrative, pushing her to embed the harsh realities of environmental impact into her visual storytelling.

Her recent works include life-size tableaus that are as mythical as they are evocative, often mistaken for digital collages. Soleimani’s method involves using the camera "as a tool to obfuscate and to confound and to confuse," a technique that enhances the narrative power of her pieces. This narrative extends into her personal history, where she reconstructs scenes from her family’s escape from Iran, like the one depicted in her "Ghostwriter" series where her father is posed on a taxidermy horse, echoing his perilous flight over snowy mountains.

Soleimani’s art is internationally recognized, and she balances her studio work with an academic role as an associate professor of fine arts at Brandeis University. Her dual garages-turned-studio space where she crafts these intricate scenes speaks to the physical and conceptual space she occupies at the intersection of art and advocacy.

For Soleimani, the message is clear: art should challenge, provoke, and inspire. Her own journey as an artist and activist underscores this belief, encouraging others in the creative field to push boundaries and make their voices heard. "My father’s motto, which has in a sense become mine," she reflects, “is that comfort equals death.” In embracing discomfort, Soleimani not only challenges herself but also invites her audience to confront uncomfortable truths about our environment and society. Through her lens, both literally and metaphorically, Sheida Soleimani captures the urgency of advocacy and the transformative power of art.