ARTA SHADMAN
Bio
Arta Shadman is an Iranian-born multidisciplinary artist and independent researcher based in Toronto and Turin. His practice investigates the fluid terrain of masculinity, memory, and cultural transformation through the lenses of displacement and the politics of representation. Holding a PhD in the History of Contemporary Art from Sapienza University of Rome, Shadman utilizes deconstructive methodologies to unearth the rituals through which identity is both performed and undone.
Spanning film, sound installation, and performance, his work explores how "uprootedness"—whether geographic or spiritual—creates openings for reimagining the self. This research interrogates the friction between the creator and institutional frameworks, positioning the nomadic experience as a living act of resistance. Shadman’s work has been exhibited internationally at venues including the Archeological Museum of Livorno Ferraris (IT), Kunstarkaden (DE), Werkstatt Plettenberg (DE), and Tehkummah Dark Sky Preserve, Manitoulin Eco Park (CA). Complementing his independent practice, he has contributed to global cinema as a creative liaison for Majid Majidi and as First Assistant Director for A.R. Rahman, who also produced Shadman’s documentary work. He is the founder of SNAIL: Slow Culture & Stories for Change, a Canadian non-profit dedicated to storytelling as a catalyst for cultural transformation, peace-tending, and connection.
CV
Arta / Shadman
Born in Tehran, IR
Based in Turin, IT and Toronto, CA
SELECTED SOLO/ DUO EXHIBITIONS
2025, Hunter’s Dens, Dark Sky Preserve, Tehkummah, CA
2024, Fragments of Resistance, Archeological Museum, Livorno Ferraris, IT
2024, Weight of Waters, Decolonization of Mundi Festival, Biblioteca Universitaria, Genova, IT
2023, Heroine’s Journey, Werkstatt Plettenberg, The Sparkasse, Plettenberg, DE
2023, Aŭskultu, Cultural association of Spazio Piuquattro, Turin, IT
2022, Calligraphy of Body, Luoghi Comuni di Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Turin, IT,
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS AND PERFORMANCES
2025, The Earth Day, We Collective Art, OSA, Ottawa, CA
2025, Trail of Belonging, Manitoulin Eco Park, Manitoulin Island, CA
2025, Grandma’s Verandah, Brief Shalimar, Spéos International Photography School, Paris, FR
2024, Against Violence, We, Outpost Gallery, Norwich, UK
2024, Identity, The Cut, Halesworth, UK
2024, Body-The Last Refuge-, Zephyra video art installation, Manchester, UK
2024, 25 November International Day, Menningarhus, Reykjavik, IS
2023, Das kleine Wunder, Galerie. Pla.d, Düsseldorf, DE
2023, The Image of Night, Kunstarkaden, Munich, DE
2022, Mourning and Struggle, Bagni Pubblici Cultural Center, Turin, IT
2022, Epic Resistance, Paiz Cultural Institution, Turin, IT
Selected Film & Production Experience
2017, Le Musk, First Ad, A.R. Rahman, IT, IN
2017, Beyond the Clouds, Director's Assistant, Majid Majidi, IN
2015, Muhammad: The Messenger of God, Director's Assistant, Majid Majidi, IR & DE
Selected Press Publications
2023, Chlutter, B. Heroine’s Journey, Lokal Direkt, 19 October, Plettenberg, DE
2023, Opfermann, J. Interview, Plettenberg Samstag, 5 August, Plettenberg, DE
Grant/Awards/ Residency/Competition
2020 International Research Grant, "Contemporary Art Research" Program, Sapienza University of Rome, IT,
2019 Mobility Fellowship, Cinema Magazine & Sapienza University, "Research Field Station," Rome, IT