THE AFFSOONGAR
Through her mythical characters, raw and free in their fever dream surroundings, Affsoongar —whose name translates to "the enchanter" in Farsi— extends an invitation to see beauty not only in her art but in the world and ourselves. Her creations resonate as a counter-narrative, defying conventional movements while urging us to confront our own conditioning around comfort and arousal.
This reverence for mythology permeates her work, where she conjures visions of naked, bleeding heroines surrounded by nature, unshackled from judgment or societal condemnation. Her painted creatures are in fact often bare, yet never merely nude and therefore embody an authenticity that reclaims vulnerability as a source of strength. More crucially, they remind us of the alchemy required for moving beyond expectations – a reminder that the process of undoing, of breaking and remaking, is not merely survival—it is enchantment.
Affsoongar currently lives and draws in Tehran, Iran.
What does mythology mean to the understanding of ourselves?
In my opinion mythology is a reflection of human nature, offering timeless narratives that explore our origins, purpose, and inner struggles. It reveals universal archetypes—like the hero or the slayer in a form of a woman —that shape our journeys and connect us to a collective unconscious. Through myth, we better understand ourselves and our shared humanity.
What’s the role of beauty in our public lives?
Beauty in our public lives acts as a unifying force, inspiring connection, contemplation, and a sense of shared humanity. It elevates our surroundings, fosters cultural identity, and invites us to pause and reflect amidst the chaos of daily life. Beauty reminds us of what is meaningful, encouraging harmony and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.
Meanwhile I can find beauty in the most imperfect things that I see on a daily basis.
What does it mean to go bare?
To go bare means to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, shedding the layers we use to shield ourselves from the world. It is an act of courage, revealing our true essence—unadorned and unfiltered—and finding strength in our raw, honest selves. In art and life, this openness creates space for genuine connection and deeper understanding.
To be bare does not necessarily mean to be nude, especially the way I paint my creatures they are usually surrounded by nature and trees and they are free from any judgment of being a sinner just because they are naked !
How do we embody our un-doing?
To embody our undoing is to accept and integrate the moments when we fall apart, recognizing them as essential to growth. It means leaning into vulnerability, letting go of what no longer serves us, and finding renewal in the process of breaking and rebuilding. This embrace of imperfection allows us to transform and redefine ourselves.
What is your 5 hour plan?
My 5-hour plan is a seduction of the canvas. I begin by summoning the myth that calls to me, letting its essence linger in my mind like a whispered secret. The first strokes are deliberate, like laying a trap, coaxing the story to reveal itself. As the hours unfold, I pour passion and precision into every detail, capturing beauty, danger, and desire. By the end, the painting stares back, a reflection of power and vulnerability intertwined.
My 5 hour plan is to be the best affsoongar (enchanter) I can ever be …
More Affsoongar here.
