Sara Shamsavari

Sara Shamsavari is an Iranian born visual artist, musician and activist whose vibrant and emotive images have been described as “revealing a unique empathy with her subjects” and carrying “acute socio-political messages”.

Born in Tehran in the midst of the Iranian revolution, Sara and her family fled persecution, eventually settling in London, where she received treatment and overcame childhood cancer before the age of two. Surviving both the revolution and illness engendered a profound desire to make a difference through artistic endeavours.

Graduating from Camberwell School of Art with a BA (Hons), Sara produced work in a range of mediums including painting, photography and film, favouring photography for its ability to create an instant bond between the artist and the outside world. Uniting street portraiture, documentary and fine art photography Sara’s work explores issues around identity and social justice and is  inspired by the central principles of equality, a belief in the strength of unity in diversity, and love as a driving force.

The artists work has exhibited in London, New York, Hong Kong and Paris in galleries, museums and public spaces including the Institute of Contemporary Art, Selfridges & Co, Espace Pierre Cardin (Studio 55) Kingston Museum and Danny Simmon’s Corridor Gallery. Her work and profile have featured in numerous publications including i-D, Let Them Eat Cake and Grafik.

Sara writes and performs music as an extension of her artistic work. Holding a Cert HE in Music from the University of  Westminster, she has performed her songs both as a solo artist and as part of choirs and collectives in venues such as the V&A, City Hall, Roundhouse and Stratford Circus. Increasingly Sara is blending disciplines and has produced and exhibited mixed media paintings as well as collaborating with sound artists, musicians and film-makers toward the creation of multi faceted exhibitions.

With a belief that artists should be leaders in social and spiritual progress, Sara’s endeavour is to empower the "subjects" of her work and in doing this, encourage a transformation in the way people view society and themselves.