Iranian-American artist · Columbus, Ohio
Sculpture and painting at the intersection of power, memory, identity, and social change.
Exhibition · Ideology to Invasion and Invasion to Transition, McConnell Arts CenterThe practice
Hedieh Sharifzadeh is an Iranian-American sculptor and painter based in Columbus, Ohio. Her sculptures, installations, and paintings examine power, oppression, and social change in contemporary Iran.
Sculpture & painting
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Solo exhibition
McConnell Arts CenterMain Gallery777 Evening St, Worthington, OH 43085
Artist statement
These works examine the present moment of Iranian society, exploring the relationship between power, oppression, violence, control, and societal transition. Ideology to Invasion and Invasion to Transition is a series of works in two parts that explore cultural hegemony, metamorphosis, and revolutionary transitions through an abstraction of the architectural Islamic pointed arch. These forms are positioned to invade the viewers’ space and serve as a moment of confrontation and representation of the Islamic Republic’s oppressive ideology. The works are created by pouring foam into molds; this process mimics the will of the theocracy to extinguish individuality.
Part one
The first part, Ideology to Invasion, works through the arch shape to signify the desire of the totalitarian regime, to forcefully omit individuality. Singular sculptures relate to the trauma of everyday violence occurring in Iran. The white forms represent the theocracy ruling Iran, and the multi-colored elements represent people and culture.
Part two
The second part of the series, Invasion to Transition, serves as a commentary on the murder of Mahsa Amini—who ignited the youth of Iran to protest for equality and human rights for all, especially women. This movement began through organic grassroots efforts and progressed as a means to capture the attention of people worldwide.
Video
Two works on video. Playing one loads it from YouTube; more is on the studio’s YouTube channel.
Available work
Archival editions and artist proofs, produced in small runs and accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity, alongside original sculptures available by inquiry.
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News & presentations
Presentations, exhibitions, awards, and notes from the practice.
Solo exhibition · Nov 19, 2026 – Jan 21, 2027
In the Main Gallery of the McConnell Arts Center, Worthington, Ohio. Opening reception Thursday, November 19, 6–8 pm; artist-guided gallery tour Thursday, January 7, 2027, 7 pm.
Press · November 2026
A feature in Columbus Underground’s Columbus Makes Art Presents series, published ahead of the exhibition at the McConnell Arts Center.
Presentation · 2023
A presentation accompanying the MFA Thesis Exhibition at Beeler Gallery, Columbus College of Art & Design.
Recognition · 2023
The International Sculpture Center’s 2023 award for Maternal: one of ten recipients chosen from 182 nominated students.
Studio news · 2023
Recipient of a Professional Artist grant supporting the continued development of the studio practice.
About Hedieh
Hedieh Sharifzadeh, originally from Iran, is an artist based in Columbus, Ohio, with a strong foundation in cross-cultural experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Painting from Tehran’s University of Science and Culture, completed in 2011, and an MFA in Visual Arts from Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), which she entered in 2021 to explore contemporary Iranian society, particularly the intricate dynamics between individuals and political structures.
Through her vibrant and thought-provoking works, Sharifzadeh delves into themes of power, oppression, violence, control, social identity, and societal transition. Her art serves as a powerful moment of confrontation, offering a representation of the oppressive ideology present in the Islamic Republic. By challenging viewers to engage with these complex dynamics, she aims to inspire reflection and foster dialogue.
Sharifzadeh firmly believes in the transformative power of art to connect people and ideas. Her artistic journey has been recognized and supported through scholarships and awards, including the International Sculpture Center’s Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award, a Greater Columbus Arts Council grant for professional artists, a Columbus Women Artist feature, the CCAD Devise Scholarship, and the Big Three Ric Petry Scholarship. In 2022, she was granted a full scholarship to attend the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, further enriching her artistic practice.
Sharifzadeh’s skill and dedication have led to her participation in numerous group exhibitions in Iran and the United States, showcasing her unique artistic perspective. With each project, she continues to push boundaries and engage with critical dialogues surrounding power dynamics and societal change.
Curriculum vitae
Solo and group exhibitions in the United States and Iran, the education behind the practice, and the scholarships, awards, and press that have followed it.