Born in 1981 in Shiraz, Iran, Soli Kiani is an artist whose work explores themes of censorship, identity and the social conditions of people in Islamic Republic of Iran. After moving to Austria in 2000, Kiani developed a diverse artistic practice that includes painting, photography, sculpture, collage, and drawing. Her work often explores the symbolic use of fabric, particularly the chador, to question who decides what is visible and what is concealed. Kiani’s art is political and conceptual in nature, frequently addressing the oppression, dependency, and subordination of women under patriarchal systems.
Kiani’s artistic journey is also a personal exploration of her own identity, shaped by her experiences growing up in a strictly religious and gender-segregated society. In recent years, Kiani has continued to push the boundaries of her art, using it as a means of challenging social norms and giving voice to the invisible. Through her unique blend of autobiographical reflection and formal innovation, Soli Kiani remains a vital figure in contemporary art, shedding light on issues far beyond her own cultural background.
Work
Kur Kur, 2025
Hemp ropes, Glue, concrete, steel and acrylic
72⅞ x 21⅝ x 27½ in.
185.00 x 55.00 x 70.00 cmBreathe 10, 2025
Wax crayon and acrylic on canvas
59 x 59 in.
150.00 x 150.00 cmBlurred Line 10, 2025
Fabric, glue, concrete, steel, pencil and acrylic
69¾ x 19¾ x 19¾ in.
177.00 x 50.00 x 50.00 cmSoli Kiani
Blurred Line 13, 2025
Fabric, glue, concrete, steel, acrylic, and pencil
41⅜ x 15¾ x 15¾ in.
105.00 x 40.00 x 40.00 cmKnot 9, 2024
Hemp ropes, concrete, steel and glue
81⅞ x 27½ x 27½ in.
208 x 70 x 70 cmRasoul, 2025
Hemp ropes, Glue, concrete, steel and acrylic
40⅛ x 18½ x 18½ in.
102.00 x 47.00 x 47.00 cmBreathe 7, 2024
Wax crayon and acrylic on canvas
59 x 59 in.
149.86 x 149.86 cmAmirteymour, 2024
Hemp rope, concrete, steel, acrylic and glue
76¾ x 29½ x 25⅝ in.
195.00 x 75.00 x 65.00 cmBreathe 6, 2024
Wax crayon and acrylic on canvas
59 x 59 in.
149.86 x 149.86 cmLiberty (self-portrait), 2022
Gelatin silver print laminated on aluminium
41⅜ x 27½ in.
105.00 x 70.00 cmDignity 3, 2023
Concrete, steel, fabric, and glue
51⅛ x 9⅞ x 15⅜ in.
130.00 x 25.00 x 39.00 cmTrauma 2, 2020
gelatin silver print laminated on aluminium
41 3/8 x 27 1/2 in.
105 × 70 cm.