Renowned interdisciplinary artist Shirin Abedinirad, who is known for her immersive installations and profound explorations of nature and identity and who also is an MFA candidate at Michigan State University, is exhibiting her latest land art installation as part of the 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, which runs March 9-May 26 at the MSU Broad Art Museum.

Titled “Reflective Journey,” this final thesis project brings together three mirror panels and a trio of doors to offer an immersive experience that challenges and transforms the viewers perspective, depending from which direction the piece is viewed. This land art installation also is paired with a video projection of the sea.

“This installation encourages viewers to reflect on their own interpretations of reality and the dynamic role they play in shaping their perspectives,” Abedinirad said. “Just as the installation transforms from closed doors to a reflection of nature, so too do individuals adapt and find new perspectives amidst the challenges and upheavals in their lives. In this way, the artwork pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who, in the face of adversity, seek solace and renewal through the lens of resilience and hope.”

Born and raised in Iran, Abedinirad’s childhood was filled with artist experimentation. She was nurtured by supportive parents who provided ample art materials and encouraged her creativity and participation in local contests and museum visits. She earned degrees in Graphic Design, Fashion, and Textile Design in Iran before coming to Michigan State University to pursue her passion for teaching art.

Abedinirad’s artistic interests include installation art, photography, performance, video, and land art. Her ideas often originate from personal experiences in nature, which evoke emotional responses.

“Themes of impermanence, regeneration, and our interconnection with the environment recur in my practice. Having moved across countries, I’m drawn to liminal spaces and transformations as metaphors for personal growth.”

Characterized by experiential works crafted from ephemeral materials, her art frequently employs reflections, sand, or water as metaphors for change and regeneration. It revolves around themes of identity, nature, emotional healing, and human interconnectedness.

“Themes of impermanence, regeneration, and our interconnection with the environment recur in my practice,” Abedinirad said. “Having moved across countries, I’m drawn to liminal spaces and transformations as metaphors for personal growth.”

In translating these complex concepts and emotions into visual form, Abedinirad distills sensory details and symbolic meanings into minimalist forms, focusing on essential materials and gestures. Her installations often incorporate mirrors, landscapes, and viewer presence to evoke emotional textures and awaken a sense of belonging within the natural world.

Experimentation is crucial in Abedinirad’s creative process, allowing her to discover harmonies between media, site, and ideas.

“I know an experiment succeeds when the interrelation of elements suggests a poetic narrative that lingers like a dream,” said Abedinirad, who cites surrealism as one of her artistic influences, particularly the paintings of René Magritte.

“They have shown me the power of combining incongruous elements to shift perceptions,” she said. “I adapt his approaches of scale manipulation and subversion of expected contexts into three-dimensional form. For example, my land art often superimposes reflections of water or sky into desert landscapes, much like Magritte’s clouds filling an interior room.”

“Overall, I hope viewers perceive their integral belonging within nature’s wonder and cycles of change after engaging with my art. My aim is to reignite our childlike capacity for awe in ordinary moments.”

Reflecting on her three-year MFA program at Michigan State University, Abedinirad highlighted its role in refining her ability to manifest ambitious and cohesive projects. Cross-disciplinary dialogue, critical feedback, and access to facilities expanded her skills and artistic voice.

In an effort to make her land art universally accessible, Abedinirad created a virtual reality (VR) rendition of her “Reflective Journey” installation, which was featured in the Art Dubai Digital 2024 international art fair March 1-3. The video art of this VR rendition will be shown on a monitor at the MSU Broad Art Museum as part of the “Reflective Journey” exhibit. The immersive VR experience for the “Reflective Journey” land art installation that Abedinirad created for the Commagene Land and River Art Biennial in Turkey will be available to explore in the VR facilities at the MSU Library.

“Through the lens of VR,” Abedinirad said, “the artwork becomes a universal nexus, accessible to all, eliminating the barriers of distance and physicality that often limit the reach of traditional art forms.”

Looking ahead, Abedinirad envisions her artistic practice evolving to focus on immersive installations rooted in environmental consciousness.

“My research into sustainable materials and virtual and augmented reality may enable creative outcomes promoting regeneration,” she said. “I’m also excited to engage audiences through teaching.”

In navigating the tension between personal expression and audience interpretation, Abedinirad aims to create experiential spaces that activate viewers’ imagination and perspective. While her vision guides initial decisions, she allows room for art to evolve with the site and participants.

“Overall, I hope viewers perceive their integral belonging within nature’s wonder and cycles of change after engaging with my art,” Abedinirad said. “My aim is to reignite our childlike capacity for awe in ordinary moments.”

MFA Exhibition Artist Talks and Reception

The five MFA candidates whose work appears in this year’s MFA Exhibition, including Abedinirad, will discuss their work during the Artist Talks: 2024 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition event scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, at 6 p.m. at the MSU Broad Art Museum. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.

Also, a reception for the MFA Exhibition will take place on Saturday, April 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a short awards program beginning at 7 p.m. when recipients of the Selma and Stanley Hollander Fellowship for Graduate Study and the John and Susan Berding Family Foundation endowed Master of Fine Arts Prize will be announced. The reception is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.

For more information on the MFA Exhibition, see the 2024 MFA Exhibition web page. For more information on Abedinirad, see the article “Celebrated Iranian Visual Artist Pursues Master’s Degree at MSU.”