After 15 years of living and creating in Malaysia, Iranian artist Maede Hoseini presents her first solo exhibition in the country.
Titled “Rebirth – When Light, Poetry and Letters Awaken My Soul”, it will be held at Ruang Teduh Gallery, Menara Exchange 106, TRX, in Kuala Lumpur until Oct 3.
For Maede, known to many as Maia, the word “Rebirth” is not about reincarnation.
It represents personal transformation, the experience of becoming a new version of herself through life’s challenges, cultural change and her artistic journey in a foreign land.
When Maede first arrived in Malaysia, she stepped into a world with an entirely new culture, language and lifestyle.
Over the years, Malaysia became an important part of her personal and artistic transformation.
“Rebirth, for me, does not mean becoming another person; it means discovering another part of myself.
“I came to Malaysia carrying my memories, my culture and my artistic roots.
“Through the years, these roots remained with me, but I also changed, grew and discovered new ways of expressing myself,” said Maede.
With more than 25 years of experience in Persian art, Maede’s practice is rooted in Tezhib (Persian illumination), Persian miniature, calligraphy and contemporary typography.
These artistic languages form the heart of Rebirth and represent different parts of her journey.
Light is represented through Tezhib, where intricate patterns, delicate lines and gold have taught her patience, discipline and harmony.
The slow process of Tezhib became a form of contemplation and a reminder that meaningful transformation takes time.
Poetry is expressed through her Persian miniature-inspired works.
Drawing on poetry, nature and imagined gardens, her Persian miniature-inspired artwork bridges past and present, keeping her connected to her homeland while living abroad.
Letters emerge through her calligraphy and typography.
For Maede, Persian letters can become movement, emotion and visual expression, allowing her to explore thoughts and feelings that ordinary language cannot always convey.
Together, the works tell the story of a woman who has spent 15 years finding herself again through art.
The exhibition also reflects the relationship between identity and belonging.
As a foreign artist living in Malaysia, Maede has experienced the challenges of adapting to a different culture while trying to preserve the cultural language that shaped her.
“Sometimes we only understand the importance of our roots when we are far away from them.
“Malaysia made me look back at where I came from, while also giving me the space to discover who I could become,” Maede said.
The exhibition marks a defining milestone for Maede, unifying 15 years of creating, teaching and experimenting in Malaysia into a single artistic language.
