Shima Taj Bakhsh

Shima Taj Bakhsh is an Iranian artist based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Her interest in the crossroads of narratives, places, and multiple time frames began in the interwoven architecture of Iran’s cities, where it is difficult to distinguish sounds from bodies, pollution from buildings, and history from self. In her work, Architecture possesses a soul-like quality that actively participates in events, alternating between mocking, sheltering, and overwhelming the viewer. It conceals, reveals, and speaks to personal, social, and political boundaries.

After completing her MFA at California State University Long Beach in 2021, Shima has continued her inquiries through installation, video, photography, and digital fabrication. She has worked as a fabricator and lecturer in the greater Los Angeles area. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions, including those at Human Resources Los Angeles, Torrance Art Museum, Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, and the Second Contemporary Art Biennale at Niavaran Cultural Center.

During her residency, Shima will experiment with ideas that address social issues, collective memory, and the intricate relationships between species and society. Her project will include architectural sculptures and a soundscape inspired by documentary and biographical research.