Darling Portrait Prize 2024 Finalist
Bahman Kermany
born Iran 1984, Australia from 2000
Habitat of monstera II (Self-portrait with yellow paisley jacket) 2023
oil on canvas
‘To be completely honest, I don’t own a paisley jacket nor a monstera plant or even have a moustache. I fantasise what it would be like to have those things. This self portrait is part of an ongoing series where imaginative figures and landscape come together. The stylised moustache is a recurring motif symbolising my cultural heritage and imparting a hint of humour. These works ponder the purpose of the self portrait in a world where the race for fame across all types of media is on the rise.’
Iranian-born Bahman Kermany moved to Australia at the age of 16, and lives and works on Cammeraygal Land in Sydney. His practice engages with identity, heritage, social issues and the cultural and political conflicts of both Australia and Iran.
© The artist