Behnaz Monzavi
MFA ’25 Fine Arts 2D
I am a painter and printmaker specializing in Persian miniature art, printmaking, and mixed media. My work explores themes of identity, resistance, and women’s rights in Iran, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary narratives. Rooted in Persian artistic traditions, I use symbolism, abstraction, and storytelling to reflect on both personal and collective experiences, with a particular focus on the challenges women face under systemic oppression.
My recent work critically engages with Iran’s socio-political landscape, addressing gender inequality, censorship, and resilience. I incorporate archival materials, historical motifs, and gendered symbolism to create a dialogue between the past and the present. In addition to two-dimensional work, I have expanded my practice to include sculptural forms, using plaster cloth to create body casts. These pieces are painted and printed upon to explore the physical presence, memory, and the limitations placed on women’s bodies.
As an artist and educator, I am passionate about mentorship and community engagement. I integrate traditional techniques with conceptual exploration, encouraging students to express cultural identity and social justice through visual language. My teaching fosters critical thinking, experimentation, and historical awareness.
Through both my studio practice and teaching, I strive to challenge dominant narratives, advocate for women’s rights, and use art as a tool for empowerment and change.
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Behnaz Monzavi is an Iranian-born painter and printmaker based in Boston. Her work blends traditional Persian miniature with contemporary themes of identity, resistance, and cultural memory. She earned her MFA in Painting and Printmaking from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Monzavi’s interdisciplinary practice includes painting, printmaking, and sculptural body casts. She has exhibited nationally and received awards such as the George Nick Prize. She has also served as a Teaching Assistant at MassArt.
