Nafir’s “never-ending fight” represents the artist’s ultimate admiration for the daily and lifelong human struggle. From their country of origin, Iran, to the many cities they have visited thanks to their international reputation, Nafir has always been most interested in observing people, especially their resilience in the face of adversity.

Of all battles, those fought by women have touched them the most, shaped by the significant female influence in their youth.

This solo exhibition of Nafir focuses on new works created in collaboration with Berlin photographer Mischa Fanghänel. These jointly created pieces feature subjects that engage the viewer with sad yet bold eyes, carrying the heavy burdens of being human – the relentless search for liberation, connection, and meaning amidst internal and external challenges.

Yet, despite these burdens, they stand tall, merging with and emerging from intricate patterns of Persian textiles, as complex as the battles they endure.

Fanghänel’s photographs bring a raw, intimate perspective to the pieces, capturing the essence of each subject’s silent struggle and adding another layer of storytelling to Nafir’s intricate compositions. Together, they create a dialogue between the photograph’s realism and the surreal patterns of Persian textiles, enhancing the viewer’s emotional connection to the art.

The result is a faithful testament to the beauty and sorrow of a timeless fight, resonating with our innermost worlds. It invites viewers to reflect on their own personal interpretations of resilience, and the fact that some battles are never won and always fought.