about
My name is Maryam Ghasempour Siahgaldeh, and I am an MFA student in Photography at Kansas State University. Originally from Iran, I began my artistic journey with a background in graphic design but soon discovered my passion for photography. Over the years, my work has evolved across different genres, including documentary, street, nature, abstract, and photojournalism photography.
I started with documentary photography, capturing raw, authentic moments to tell stories of struggle and resilience. Street photography became an extension of this passion, allowing me to explore the vibrant connection between people and their environments. Nature photography has always been a source of peace and inspiration for me, while abstract photography enables me to express emotions through light, shapes, and textures. My work in photojournalism has allowed me to document powerful stories, combining artistic vision with a sense of purpose.
Recently, I've been working on a series that reflects my personal experiences as an immigrant. In these works, I use self-portraits and symbolic elements like empty frames, fabrics, and shadows to explore isolation, identity, and memory themes. Some of the images incorporate Iranian calligraphy, creating a bridge between my cultural roots and my present reality. This series highlights immigration challenges, such as loneliness, separation, and losing connection to family, friends, and even parts of myself.
I've also been experimenting with mixed media and printmaking, integrating silhouettes of birds and collages to emphasize ideas of freedom and confinement. Like much of my photography, this series reflects my interest in feminism and the struggles women face, particularly in contexts of separation and societal expectations.
Photography is more than just capturing images for me—it's a way to express my thoughts, emotions, and stories. It's a journey of self-discovery that I grow with every day.
