Nafir was born in Tehran, Iran. As the son of a carpet merchant working in the city’s main bazaar, his childhood and formative years were filled with the colours, patterns and textures of the artisanal and artistic heritage of his country, bringing him a joy he could never abandon. The other main source of inspiration came from the earth-shattering display of feminine strength he witnessed being raised by a single mom. This made such a profound impact, that the carpet itself became the personification of a woman, and the final artwork an idolization of that feminine soul that spoke to him, as an everlasting act of gratitude.
It comes as no surprise then, that his artworks convey such a deep love and gratitude for the beauty of Iranian culture – whether represented in the form of traditional objects or as female figures, these two embodiments fuse into one another to create a new mysterious and alluring manifestation. His choice of images complement and showcase the intricate motif of each piece, as, to quote the artist, “it is the texture that chooses the picture it will hold”.
But it is not all about representing one own’s roots. His aim to shine a new light on ancient values is fulfilled by his usage of modern art mediums, such as spray paint and stencil art. Each single work is a unique piece, as it is the texture.