Maryam Hashemi:
I'm Maryam Hashemi, and I'm an artist. I generally work with watercolours and pencils or with acrylics. I like to have an element of magic and imagination and bring the subconscious and conscious together.
Most of these are my works. I like to collect place mats and then put aliens on them.
I was born here, but I was raised in Iran. Being brought up in an Islamic country during a war, it all influenced me so much. I still see the traces of my experiences as a child in my work.
I have these Islamic-looking ladies. They've got the hijab on. And they're very cute. They're just everywhere exploring and they're very curious. I like to make people smile, laugh, and say, you know, 'This is funny.'
You have to do what makes you feel good. And if it makes you happy, it's fine. If you're getting lost in that work, whatever it is, it's the right thing. It doesn't matter if people like it or not. If you're enjoying it, that's the first thing. And you always find people that will like it.
Video summary
Iranian artist Maryam Hashemi introduces her artwork and tells her life story.
From a series of BBC Teach clips exploring the artwork of six UK-based leading artists.
We meet Maryam Hashemi who describes her artwork and explains that there is an element of magic in her paintings; bringing together the conscious and subconscious.
Teacher Notes
These clip could be used to inspire students to produce their own painting or artwork based on the theme of identity and memories.
These clips will be relevant for teaching Art and Design at GCSE/KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 or Higher in Scotland.
The topics discussed will support OCR, Edexcel, AQA, WJEC GCSE in England and Wales, CCEA GCSE in Northern Ireland and SQA National 4/5 and Higher in Scotland.
Transforming a white van into a piece of art. video
Artist Maryam Hashemi takes on the challenge of transforming a white van into a piece of art.
What inspires Iranian artist Maryam Hashemi? video
Artist Maryam Hashemi shows us around her canal barge and describes how life on the water has brought a new wave of inspiration to her work.
Starting a new piece of work. video
Experimental artist Maryam Hashemi takes you through the rituals that she goes through each time she starts a new piece of work.
