Portrait is an open window between viewer and subject. Portrait is not an end in itself, but has always been a device to reach to human visage. If portrait is to aim at itself, it will turn into an idol. Ergo I drew a veil between “her” and “viewer”; distortion, proximity, pattern… I felt afraid of getting close to “her’ and kept away from “her”; shrouded her in mystery.

Mahnaz Pasikhani - January 2024