Alumni Spotlight: Elham Fatapour

Artist Elham Fatapour graduated from the Illustration diploma program in 2015. She went on to continue her studies at York University, graduating in 2020 with a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts. Since then, Elham’s work has been shown in several solo and group exhibitions in Toronto and internationally.

My Story, 2017-2018, mixed media on canvas

In between her time at Seneca and York University, Elham worked as a gallery associate. She continued to develop her portfolio which ultimately included over 10 life-sized figurative paintings.

“I was particularly inspired to pursue my MFA to explore how my artistic practice could engage with social and political themes and saw the program as an opportunity to expand both my creative and intellectual framework.”

My Story, 2017-2018, mixed media on canvas

Elham’s body of work primarily revolves around autobiographical themes and visual storytelling. Her creative process involves researching these topics and experimenting with different mediums such as paint, sculpture, and video art.

“Since 2019, I have been working on an ongoing series, Homemade Satellite Dishes, where I use real satellite dishes as a medium, painting on them and sometimes installing them as site-specific pieces. Through this series, I explore the concepts of connection, communication, as well as surveillance and censorship.”

 

Homemade Satellite Dishes, 2022-2024

Currently, Elham is part of an artist residency in Guatemala. In preparation for an upcoming installation project, she is experimenting with new ways to use satellite dishes to create engaging artwork.

Images courtesy of Elham Fatapour

View more of Elham’s work here:  https://www.elhamfatapour.com/