Herts Welcomes Refugees proudly presents talented artists Shervin and Ghazal during their residency at Trestle Arts Base. These resilient young people, who fled Iran, share their powerful artistic expressions with us.
Irene Austin, Chair of Herts Welcomes Refugees, says: “We are delighted that the beautiful art work of Shervin and Ghazal will be on display at Trestle Arts Base until 31st July. These young artists have such talent and vision. We hope you will visit and enjoy their work.”
About Herts Welcomes Refugees
With over 150 dedicated volunteers, Herts Welcomes Refugees provides comprehensive support to refugees across Hertfordshire.
Their services include:
Community integration through befriending programmes and English language assistance
Essential resource coordination and service navigation support
Therapeutic activities including cooking sessions and art workshops to foster wellbeing during challenging transitions
To find out more, to donate or volunteer please visit www.hertswelcomes.org.uk
Artist Statement | Ghazal Zargar
I am Ghazal Zargar, an Iranian artist and graphic designer. My artistic journey began at the age of 12, I had started formal academic training in painting. Later, I pursued a Bachelor of Graphic Design at the University of Alborz.
After university, I established my own art studio, where I taught private students while continuing to exhibit my work. Teaching became an extension of my own artistic growth, allowing me to refine my techniques and explore new creative directions.
My work is deeply influenced by my Persian heritage, reflecting its rich symbolism and storytelling traditions. Since moving to the UK, I have been immersing myself in British art and culture, seeking ways to merge these new influences with my background. This cross-cultural exploration has led me to experiment with new themes and techniques, blending tradition with contemporary perspectives.
Throughout my career, I have explored various mediums—acrylic, watercolour, oil, gouache, pastels, coloured pencils, ecoline, and mixed media. While I have primarily worked with oil and acrylic, I have recently found a deeper connection with watercolour. Its fluidity and spontaneity allow me to express emotions in a more organic and intuitive way.
My paintings are inspired by memories, emotions, and the delicate balance between human figures with patterns and forms. The central theme of my work revolves around identity, transformation, and the search for belonging—both personal and cultural.
I have exhibited at Westminster University as part of their Art and Refuge project and was also invited to showcase my paintings at the Wellcome Trust London Museum.
You can find me on Instagram: @ghazal.zargar.art
Artist’s statement | Shervin Mohebi
My name is Shervin, I am originally from Iran but was forced to emigrate due to my political activities as well as supporting the rights of LGBT people in Iran.
I studied Civil Engineering in Iran, followed by a Master's degree in Interior Design and Decoration in 2016 and a Master’s in History of Art in 2019.
I started painting as a child. In 1993, I participated in the Shankar Biennale of India and won an honors diploma, after which I was invited to the Okinawa competition in Japan.
My early style was miniature. Then, in 1995, I started self-taught oil painting. My favourite style now is a combination of miniature, expressionism, and surrealism.
I started my career as a supervising engineer in urban construction projects during which time I travelled to many cities and became acquainted with different lands throughout Iran.
From 2017 to 2019, I held two group exhibitions and one solo exhibition in Iran. As well as painting, I am a guitar player and have published three books in the field of literature and psychology.
I have been interested in libertarian political activities since I was a teenager, and in recent years I fought for the recovery of Iran by writing historical materials and political research. Fighting the oppression that religious fascism has imposed on the people has always been one of my concerns, evident in my audio and video programs and paintings.
After leaving Iran I helped establish Radio Aban. I lived in Germany for years and made historical-cultural podcasts, radio and video programs.
I immigrated to England in 2022 and now live near London where I continue my political and artistic activities.
In 2023 I won fifth place in a competition on the Iranian Revolution held in America by the FILR organisation. In 2024, I had two group exhibitions in St. Albans.
Having different experiences and many trips and living in different climates and lands has inspired me. I try to convey a message that makes the audience think so that the world becomes a better place for future generations.
You can find me on Instagram @sherviniue
Entry is free and the exhibition is open during normal opening hours, please click here for more information. For enquiries about the exhibition space at Trestle, please contact our Gallery Programmer at gallery@trestle.org.uk | 01727 850950