Nava Sabetimani

Drawings, 2022-2023

The recurring forms within my pencil drawings serve as a visual exploration of identity and self-perception, deeply rooted in personal experiences. This collection emerges from a subconscious impetus driven by doubt and the instinct to revisit and reinterpret familiar shapes. It compellingly reflects upon my lived experience of growing up with a twin sister, where continual comparisons were a pervasive element of our upbringing. These drawings are not just artistic expressions, but also psychological landscapes that map the complexities of individuality and the impact of external judgments.

The faces, repeatedly drawn, symbolize the quest for distinctiveness amidst similarity—a quest that stems from the childhood echoes of being paralleled with my twin. In each iteration, I find an opportunity to engage with my narrative of fear and resilience. This process becomes a meditative act, as each line and shadow are both a reclamation of identity and a confrontation with the lingering shadows of doubt. My art navigates this delicate interplay between the inherent desire for uniqueness and the imposed pressure to conform and excel in a dual narrative.

As my pencil touches paper, the act of drawing transforms into a dialogue with self; it is a persistent endeavor to strike balance. Each face is a reflection and a rebuttal against internalized fears, carrying the dual burdens of comparison and the relentless pursuit of self-affirmation. This body of work serves as a testament not only to my artistic journey but also to the deeper, introspective journey of understanding and accepting the self in its most authentic form.