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)