How Childhood Passion Shaped Narges Soleimanzadeh’s Artistic Journey

Every successful artist has a story that begins long before public recognition. For Narges Soleimanzadeh, an Iranian visual artist, art educator, and curator based in Dubai, creativity has been part of her life since childhood.

Her journey began with music, developed through painting, and eventually grew into a career dedicated to artistic expression and helping others discover their creative potential.

Today, Narges is recognised for her work across painting, sculpture, education, and curatorial projects. Beyond her personal achievements, she continues building opportunities for emerging artists to enter the professional art world.

Her story reflects determination, creative curiosity, and a belief that art becomes more meaningful when knowledge and opportunities are shared.

From Piano Lessons to a Lifelong Love for Painting

Narges discovered her artistic interests at just six years old when she began learning piano. Music soon became an important part of her childhood, leading to early concert performances and teaching experiences.

At the same time, painting offered another way to express her imagination. During her school years, her artistic abilities earned several regional and provincial awards.

Although music initially played a significant role in her life, visual art gradually became her strongest passion.

She later studied Graphic Design at university before pursuing Art Management, gaining both creative knowledge and an understanding of the professional art industry.

These experiences helped her develop a career combining artistic practice, education, and cultural leadership.

Building an International Career Through Artistic Excellence

Since the early 2000s, Narges has developed an active career as a visual artist, presenting five solo exhibitions and participating in numerous group exhibitions and international art fairs.

Her work has appeared at respected international platforms, including Contemporary Istanbul, London Art Biennale, and Florence Biennale.

These experiences introduced her artistic vision to audiences beyond her home country while strengthening her professional connections.

In 2019, she received the Antoinette Stevens Medallion for Best Painting from the Society of Canadian Artists.

Another important achievement followed in 2023 when she won First Prize at the NBF Art Prize.

Her most recent solo exhibition took place at Etihad Modern Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi in 2025, marking another milestone in her evolving artistic journey.

Why Narges Soleimanzadeh Founded Sakoo Art School in Tehran

For Narges, personal artistic success was never the only ambition. She also wanted to help talented individuals develop the knowledge and confidence required to build sustainable creative careers.

In 2017, she founded Sakoo Art School in Tehran, combining academic learning with practical artistic education.

The institution offered workshops, exhibitions, collaborations, and professional development opportunities designed to connect students with the wider art industry.

Over time, Sakoo worked with more than a thousand students and emerging artists, becoming a recognised educational centre in Tehran.

However, changing circumstances in Iran and her relocation to the UAE brought the school’s activities to an end in 2023.

Rather than allowing this chapter to define her future, Narges chose to continue her educational mission in a new environment.

Creating New Opportunities for Emerging Artists in Dubai

Later in 2023, Narges established SAKKU in Dubai, an independent educational and curatorial platform dedicated to artistic learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

The initiative reflects her commitment to supporting emerging talent and creating meaningful connections between artists, galleries, institutions, and audiences.

Since its establishment, SAKKU has initiated and organised more than twenty curatorial projects, including exhibitions, workshops, talks, and cultural events.

These activities provide developing artists with opportunities to present their work, exchange ideas, and understand the professional art world.

For Narges, witnessing an emerging artist gain confidence and recognition remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Her work demonstrates how creative leadership can extend beyond individual achievements to support an entire artistic community.

Leading Creative Development at OMIC Cultural Hub

Today, Narges serves as Art Director at OMIC Cultural Hub in Dubai while continuing her personal artistic practice through painting and sculpture.

Her responsibilities connect creative expression with cultural engagement, allowing her to contribute to artistic development from several perspectives.

As an artist, she explores new ideas and approaches. As an educator, she shares knowledge. As a curator, she creates spaces where different creative voices can be discovered.

These roles reflect her belief that art should encourage conversation, understanding, and meaningful human connections.

She also hopes to make artistic education more accessible to audiences who may not have traditional opportunities to engage with the creative industry.

The Personal Lessons Behind Her Creative Success

Throughout her career, Narges has learned that patience and respect for different perspectives are essential for personal and professional growth.

Working with artists from different backgrounds has strengthened her appreciation for individuality and the many ways people interpret the world.

She believes meaningful achievements often require persistence rather than immediate results.

Another principle guiding her journey is the importance of taking action instead of becoming overwhelmed by uncertainty.

Her philosophy is captured in her advice, “Keep moving, wherever you are, and follow your mind.”

This perspective has helped her approach professional changes with acceptance, curiosity, and determination.

A Future Dedicated to Art, Education, and Cultural Exchange

Looking ahead, Narges hopes to expand her artistic practice while discovering new creative possibilities in painting and sculpture.

She also plans to continue supporting emerging artists through curatorial initiatives, educational programmes, and professional connections.

Making art more accessible remains central to her vision, particularly through workshops, conversations, and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Her journey from childhood musician to internationally exhibited artist and cultural leader highlights the value of continuous learning.

For aspiring artists, her story offers an inspiring reminder that creative success is not measured only by awards or exhibitions.

It is also reflected in the opportunities created for others, the communities strengthened through collaboration, and the lasting impact of sharing artistic knowledge.

Follow Narges Soleimanzadeh on Instagram

Read More – Gulf Food Dishes 2026 Best Traditional Arabian Cuisine Foods