Today we’d like to introduce you to Meidi Karampour.
Hi Meidi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Raised in Bushehr, Iran, I began my artistic education in an environment where figurative painting—particularly the nude—was largely inaccessible. Seeking rigorous training and artistic freedom, I relocated to the United States and transitioned from a career in architecture to painting.
Prior to coming to the US, I ran an underground painting school for some years to bring figurative life painting for students in Iran, something that is legally banned. I was eventually captured by the intelligent agents and was sentenced to prison and lashes.
I studied classical figurative painting at Studio Incamminati. During this period, I received multiple merit-based awards, including the D. Colman Witte Scholarship and PAFA Merit Scholarships.
My subsequent portfolio earned me a fully funded place in the MFA program at Missouri State University, where I was appointed as an undergraduate instructor for three consecutive years.
My work has been exhibited nationally in juried exhibitions, including the Union League of Philadelphia, Iran Art Gallery in Tehran, and the University of Montana, and I was represented by Art Spirit Gallery from 2024 to 2026.
Since my graduation, the majority of my time is devoted to sustained studio practice and the development of new work, alongside private commissions. I teach occasionally at institutions such as Gage Academy of Art and Roane State Community College,
Although I have been living in the US for some years now, my family has received threats from the government for my activities. I am afraid to get back to my country, especially after the Lion&Sun revolution, and because of my past activities in Iran.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being born in Iran and carrying a passport with the name Islamic Republic of Iran on it, will make your life a constant challenge. Since my dream was to become a figurative/portrait artist, I didn’t have much access to the education I wanted in my country.
I had the chance to come to the United States, with all the VISA and financial issues, but it also meant I had to say goodbye to my family and were I grew up.
Here as an immigrant without a US passport, I have faced limitation in working and being hired, however, I have managed to continue my practice all the way throughout the years.
this is besides challenges as an artist in this economy. I am constantly trying to market myself to show my work and find clients, and hopefully will make a living off of my practice.
I am grateful with all the helps I have received from my American friends, they have made this path a lot easier that it could have been.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specifically pursued classical training in figurative works and portraiture throughout the years. My focus is to create portraits and figurative paintings that present humanity in my interpretation of reality. I create portrait for my clients that reflect their energy, and I enjoy interacting with new people to have them painted, creating them a visual legacy that lasts.
In my exhibition paintings, I create moment we live. I feel appreciation for life, and enjoy recognizing the beauty of ordinary existence. I paint moments that highlight mundane slices of life that are common across many cultures. Painting enables me to simultaneously represent the harmony of my personal designs in color and form alongside my interpretation of reality. I picture the beauty of a moment’s essence, to exhibit the moment’s significance regardless of its activities. Without recognizable specificity in some areas like face features, I would like the viewer to subconsciously participate and resonate with the scenes I choose to paint.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The ability to spend most of my days painting and drawing. It is not achieved easily, however, most of my focus is to create as much as possible.
While I am creating, especially after all these challenges, I find myself dedicating my skills I learned throughout years to add culture to my surrounding and show people the beauty of life. I would like my audience to experience the way I find seeing enjoyable and mesmerizing as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meidikarampour.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meidikarampour/
