Open Studio: Negin Sadaf | April 5–6, 2022

On April 5th and 6th, 2022, Negin Sadaf opened the doors of her studio to the public for a two-day open studio exhibition. Unlike traditional gallery settings, open studios offer a more personal and immediate experience, allowing visitors to encounter artworks within the intimate environment where they were created. This setup fosters a more direct and authentic connection between the audience and the artist’s practice.

The artist reflects on her intention behind the event:

“My goal and motivation for holding the Open Studio were to establish a closer relationship with the audience and to present my artwork in a more intimate atmosphere that invites different kinds of conversations. I felt that during the calm days of early spring, this was a meaningful opportunity to introduce visitors to my working space and to create genuine connections with my audience.”

Negin Sadaf’s studio—also her residence—includes both an indoor space and a courtyard, both of which were used for the exhibition. Upon entering through the lush green yard, visitors first encountered a series of collage works on canvas displayed on a rain-washed wall. These four pieces, unified in image and style, reflect her most recent artistic explorations.

In the yard, sunlight filters through the interwoven branches of the surrounding trees, casting dynamic shadows on the canvases. This interplay of light and shadow changes throughout the day, echoing the layered, organic nature of the images themselves. The works in the courtyard are vibrant, fragmented, and composed in layered formations—each piece partially concealing or revealing another.

Inside the studio, the works are divided into three sections. On the floor lie small collage pieces on photographs; more colorful collage works are displayed along the walls, while two framed pieces are hung prominently on the opposite side of the room. In total, the studio is divided into six zones, each displaying works either from a specific time period or based on distinct technical approaches.

Each section has been thoughtfully arranged to allow viewers to engage with the works in isolation, while also encouraging dialogue. With the artist present in the space, guests were invited to ask questions, explore the process behind the pieces, and discuss the layers of meaning embedded in the work. The result was a quiet, immersive experience—rooted in personal expression and the physical space that nurtures it.