
Ramak Bamzar (b. 1980, Tehran) is a visual artist and fine art photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne). Her work delves into themes of identity, body image, and femininity. Inspired by her personal and cultural experiences, she uses staged photography to tell compelling stories that explore the tension between individuality and societal expectations.
Her creative process is deeply immersive. It involves designing and painting detailed backdrops, constructing intricate sets, and tailoring costumes. This hands-on approach allows her to craft powerful visual narratives that challenge conventional ideas of freedom and self-expression while resonating with diverse audiences.
Ramak’s artistic journey began in her youth in Tehran, where she nurtured a passion for drawing and painting. In 1999, she transitioned to photography at Azad University, a pivotal decision that shaped her artistic vision. In 2023, she earned a Master of Fine Arts from RMIT University in Melbourne, an experience that enriched her exploration of art and deepened her self-reflection.
Education
2023 Master of Fine Arts – The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
2024 AE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – CBD College Melbourne
2005 Bachelor of Photography – Azad University of Art and Architecture – Tehran, Iran
Employment History and Community Involvement
2015–Present Fine Art Photographer & Art Instructor, Melbourne, Australia
2023–Present Mentor, Mentoring Program, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
2023 Board Associate Designer, Blindside Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2021 Art Collection and Archival Photographer, RMIT Art Collection, Melbourne, Australia
2016 Fashion Photographer and Stylist, PRI Models, Melbourne, Australia
2007–2010 Freelance Photographer, Karaj, Iran
2003–2005 Photojournalist, Ekbatan Magazine, Tehran, Iran
Solo Exhibitions
2024 Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls, Manningham Art Gallery, Melbourne
2023 Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls, Seventh Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2022 Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls, Head On International Photo Festival Sydney
2017 Iranian Wedding – Windowspace Gallery, Beeac, VIC Australia
2016 In Pain, Off the Kerb Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2015 Iranian Wedding, Sydney Town Hall & Head On Photo Festival Australia
Group Exhibitions
2025 de-centre re-centre, Wilson Art Gallery (LWAG), Western Australia
2024 Medieval to Metal, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia
2024 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize, Museum of Australian Photography
2024 Head On Exposure Awards, Sydney, Australia
2024 Make it Real, Temu House & Kuala Lumpur International Photo Awards Malaysia
2024 DER GREIF, Guest Room: Renée Mussai & Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński, Munich Germany
2023 Your 501® Story: The Exhibition, Photo VOGUE
2023 Anonymous from Iran – Culture Lab LIC. New York USA
2023 DEBUT XIX, Blindside Gallery. Melbourne Australia
2023 DER GREIF, Guest Room: David Campany & Taous Dahmani, Munic, Germany
2023 RED, Sol Gallery. Melbourne, Australia
2022 RMIT University, Graduation Show. Melbourne, Australia
2022 Break Away, Abbotsford Convent. Melbourne, Australia
2022 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize, Monash Gallery of Art Melbourne
2022 Woman, Life, Freedom - Black Cat Gallery. Melbourne Australia
2019 ALCHEMY, Sherbrooke Art Gallery. Melbourne Australia
2019 Women, Kapi Art Space. Melbourne Australia
2019 Emerald Arts Society. Melbourne Australia
2015 IPF Photo Prize, The Good Copy. Melbourne Australia
2004 Bam Earthquake. Dresden, Germany
2003 Fajr International Theatre Festival (students). Tehran Iran
Publications
2024 Art Collector Magazine, Australia
2023 De Morgen, Brussels Belgium
2023 Australian Arts Review: On the Couch with Ramak Bamzar
2023 Art Guide Australia: The strength and struggle of Iranian women
2023 Arts Weekly, 3MBS
2023 3RRR Radio, Listen to Friendly Neighbours, Tedious Lines & Lunch Woes
2023 Ballarat foto biennale, 3BA Ballarat Radio
2023 Pro Femina with Ramak Bamzar, 3CR Radical Radio
2023 Capture Magazine: Q&A: Ramak Bamzar – Empowering Change Through Photography
2023 The Guardian Australia: Ballarat International Foto Biennale
2023 SBS Australia, Hope is what drives us
2023 ARTS hub Voices of Resistance
2023 Art Edit Magazine, 'I AM WOMAN', No. 35
2023 Head On Foundation, Women looking at women
2022 ARTS hub, more than a singular image: Womanhood through the work of four photographers
2022 The Guardian Australia: From camel woes to sperm smugglers – in pictures
2021 SBS Persian, Confronting a religion that has become a patriarchal culture
2017 ‘Extreme Theatre’ WINDOWSPACE-BEEAC
2016 Dodho Magazine. Storytelling: Things that are Important.' Barcelona, Italy
2016 Edge of Humanity Magazine, Homosexuals in Iran
2015 EZRA magazine, Ramak Bamzar | Interview. Adelaide Australia
2015 The Sydney Morning Herald, Art Column
Professional Talks and Discussions
2025 Self-Discovery and Vulnerability: Embracing Truth in the Creative Process, Burrinja Cultural Centre, Melbourne
2024 Unjustly Condemned, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
2024 Small acts of resistance, Museum of Australian photography
2024 Kuala Lumpur International Photo Awards, Temu House. Malaysia
2023 In conversation: Ramak Bamzar with Julie McLaren, Art Gallery of Ballarat
2023 Interrupting the Photographic Gaze. Centre for Contemporary Photography Melbourne, Australia
2023 Stories that Stir: Self-Reflection. Head On Photo Festival, Sydney, Australia
2022 BRIGHTSPACER Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2019 Being an Artist is a Job, Burrinja Cultural Centre, Melbourne, Australia
2015 Imagining Iran: contemporary Iranian image-makers, Australian Centre for Photography, Sydney
Awards
2024 Kuala Lumpur International Photo Awards (Winner)
2024 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize (Finalist)
2024 Head On International Photo Festival, Exposure award (finalist)
2023 Art Edit Magazine Self-Represented Artist Prize (Winner)
2023 Your 501® Story: The Exhibition, Photo VOGUE (Finalist)
2022 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize (Finalist)
2022 Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women (Highly commended)
2019 TOKYO International Foto Awards (Honourable Mention)
2003 Fajr International Festival (Honourable Mention)