Homa Arkani (b. 1983, Tehran, Iran) is an Iranian artist based in Brussels whose work traverses themes of identity, cultural history, and societal power structures. After earning her degree in Graphic Design from the University of Tehran, she worked as a graphic designer for several years before turning her focus fully to painting.
In 2011, Arkani began an in-depth exploration of women’s lives and challenges in contemporary Iranian society which resulted in the “Share Me” collection. Between 2011 and 2016, she exhibited in solo and group shows across Iran, Belgium, France, and the UK. In 2017, she immigrated to Belgium to pursue her master’s degree in painting at KASK University in Ghent. This transition became a transformative turning point in her artistic journey and she developed an artistic language that blends abstract surrealism with socio-political commentary.
Her work has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice painting, drawing, installation, and printing. Central to her current practice is the exploration of hair as a symbol of identity, resistance, and cultural heritage. Her artistic explorations are further enriched by a connection to her childhood experiences in Iran during the Iran-Iraq War. The nature that frequently appear in her paintings coming from the memories of growing up amidst conflict, where the rugged landscapes offered a sense of protection and escape.
Arkani says: At the heart of my practice lies a fascination with the intersection of personal identity and collective history. My work investigates the ways in which cultural, political, and societal systems seek to regulate individuality and silence diversity. It’s a dialogue between the tangible and intangible. I invite you to reflect on how power operates, how identities are formed, and how resilience emerges.
CV
EDUCATION
2017, MA, Fine Arts, KASK school of arts, Ghent, Belgium
2006, BA, Graphic Design, Art & architecture university, Tehran, Iran
PAINTING SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 Silent chants, Yeganeh gallery, Tehran, Iran
2023 Is it Eurus or Zephyrus? Duo exhibition with Sam Eggermont, Blanco, Ghent, Belgium
2021 A Circus on the Canal, Monastry of the Grauwzusters, University of Antwerp, Belgium
2019 Tangible Thoughts, Santo Artspace, Ghent, Belgium
2016 Where is my Ney?, Etemad gallery, Tehran, Iran
2013 Aesthetics of a Zebra, The Invisible Line gallery, London, England
2011 Share me, Mohsen gallery, Tehran, Iran
2007 Utopia, Seyhoun gallery, Tehran, Iran
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025 Etalage project of Warp vzw, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
2023 Kunst & Zwalm festival, Zwalm, Belgium
2023 Woman, life, freedom, Academy of fine arts Vienna, Austria
2023 Delen Art private show, Waterloo, Belgium
2023 Dreamy landscapes, Belgian gallery, Brussels, Belgium
2022 Dis(connected) Triennal, UPC, Duffel, Belgium
2022 The circus we are, Le Delta art centre, Namur, Belgium
2022 Sorry Not Sorry street art festival, Ghent, Belgium
2021 Pulcinella,CJK art centrum,Belgium
2020-2022 The Clown Spirit, Traveling exhibition,Ronny Van De Velde gallery, Belgian gallery, Galleria Mucciaccia
2019 Contemporary art museum of MACVAC, Valencia, Spain
2019 Kunst In Huis project, Antwerp, Belgium
2018 Komask, Royal Academy of Art, Antwerp, Belgium
2015 Performance, Boom gallery, Tehran, Iran
2014 Primio Combat, Museo di Storia Naturale – Museo Civico G.Fattori, Livorno, Italy
2013 Unexposed, traveling exhibition,European Parliament & Tour & Taxis, Belgium ,Athens, Warsaw
2012 Iranian Artists, Agoman institude, Lyon, France
2011 +me, Elahe gallery, Tehran, Iran
2010 Kitchen, Mohsen gallery, Tehran, Iran
2007 Iranian Artists, Mani gallery, Koln, Germany