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Ramak Bamzar (born. 1980) is an Iranian-born visual artist and fine art photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. 
Her work explores how cultural and religious norms can shape women's beliefs, values, and behaviours and influence their sense of self-worth and agency.

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In her works, Bamzar also investigates the influence of the male gaze on women's beauty and fashion and its consequences on women's self-esteem and self-image. Women who do not conform to these restrictive beauty standards may feel pressured to conform, leading to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and low self-esteem. 

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Bamzar completed a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art– Photography in Tehran and her Master of Fine Arts from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in 2022. 
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Drawing on her background in painting and documentary photography, Bamzar's work is grounded in a commitment to truth and authenticity. Through a combination of fine art and staged photography, she examines the social and cultural pressures that shape our lives and how we navigate difficult circumstances.

Bamzar's practice is driven by a desire to foster understanding, empathy, and dialogue. She sees her art as connecting with others and inspiring them to see the world in new and more compassionate ways.

Whether exploring the struggles faced by women or the broader human condition, Bamzar's work is characterised by a deep sensitivity to the complexities of the world around us. Through her art, she seeks to illuminate the beauty and resilience of the human spirit and inspire others to embrace their own unique perspectives and experiences.

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Education
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2022          Master of Fine Arts – The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University – Australia.
2003          Bachelor of Photography – Azad University of Art and Architecture – Tehran, Iran.
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Exhibitions

 

2023           Pro Femina, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat International Foto Biennale.    

2023              Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls– Seventh Gallery, Melbourne, Australia.

2023            PhotoVogue - Digital exhibition, “Your 501® Story”.

2023              Der Greif - Organisation for Contemporary Photography. Guest-Room. Munich, Germany.
2023            Collection of Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls – DEBUT XIX, Blindside Gallery. Melbourne.

2023            Anonymouslyاز Iran – Culture Lab LIC. New York, USA.

2023            Blood and Pomegranate – Sol Gallery. Melbourne, Australia.
2022            Collection of Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls – Head On Photo Festival. Sydney, Australia.

2022            Collection of Moustachioed Women and Rhinoplastic Girls – Graduation show, RMIT University. Australia.
2022            Woman, Life, Freedom – Black Cat Gallery. Melbourne, Australia.
2022            The Ties That Bind– Ladder Art Space. Melbourne, Australia.
2022            Leila, Monash Gallery of Art. Melbourne, Australia.
2022            Brightspace Gallery. Melbourne, Australia.
2021            Life in Lockdown Monash Gallery of Art, online. Melbourne, Australia.      
2019            About Women – Kapi Art Gallery. Melbourne, Australia.
2019            The John Dudley Portrait Prize – Cardinia Cultural Centre. Melbourne, Australia.
2019            Alchemy, Dandenong Ranges Open Studio. Melbourne, Australia.
2017            Iranian Wedding – Windowspace. Beeac, Australia (Solo).
2016            In Pain – Off the Kerb Gallery. Melbourne, Australia (Solo).
2015            Iranian Wedding – Head On International Photo Festival. Sydney Town Hall. (Solo).
2015            IPF Photo Prize – The Good Copy. Melbourne, Australia.
2004            Living Death Series. Dresden, Germany.
2003            Fajr International Theatre Festival (students). Tehran, Iran.
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Selected awards and achievements

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2023              Finalist – 'Your 501® Story': PhotoVogue and Levi's Showcase the Power of the Iconic 501® Jean.
2023              Winner of the Art Edit Self-Represented Artist prize, Art Edit Magazine.
2022              Finalist – William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize.
2022              Finalist – Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women.

2022              Highly commended– Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women.
2022              Semi-finalist – Head On International Photo Festival.
2022              Featured artist – Head On International Photo Festival.
2019              Honourable Mention – TOKYO International Foto awards.
2019              Finalist – John Dudley Portrait Prize. Melbourne.
2018              Featured image – 'Iranian Wedding', Dutch public broadcasting VPRO.
2015              Featured artist – Head On Photo Festival. Sydney.
2015              Finalist – IPF Photo Prize. Melbourne, Australia.

2016              Featured artist – Art People Gallery.  The USA.
2016              Featured artist – SEE ME.
2016              Featured artist – Dodho Magazine. Barcelona, Italy.
2015              Featured Photographer – Whim magazine.  Australia.
2015              Featured Artist – Photojournalism now.

2015              Featured Photographer –  Alt Life magazine.  Australia.
2003              Third place winner – Fajr International Theatre Festival. Tehran, Iran.
 

Bibliography

2023         The Guardian Australia: Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2023: From mullets to Muhammad Ali – in pictures.

2023         Interview by Niv Sadr (in Persian). SBS Persian.    

2023          Interview by Rosa Ellen, 'DEBUT XIX', Blindside Gallery – The art show, national radio. Australia.

2023          Interview by Jasmin Penman, 'Voices of Resistance' – ARTS hub.

2023          Article by Erin Irwin, 'I AM WOMAN' – Art Edit Magazine. No. 35.

2023          Article 'Women Looking at Women: Photographers you should know'. Head On Foundation. Sydney.

2022          Article by Celina Lei 'More than a singular image: Womanhood through the work of four photographers.' ARTS hub.

2022          The Guardian Australia: Head On photo festival 2022: From camel woes to sperm smugglers – in pictures.
2021          Article by Peyman Jamali,  'A good starting point', SBS Australia. 

2021          Interview by Peyman Jamali (in Persian), 'Confronting a religion that has become a patriarchal culture'. SBS Persian.
2022          Interview by Jahan Rezakhanlou, 'Woman, Life, Freedom',  3CR Radio. Melbourne. 
2019          Interview by Adriana Alvarez, Hillscene magazine – No. 34.
2017          Article by Anna Sande – 'Iranian wedding, Extreme Theatre'. 

2016          Interview –' Storytelling; Things that are Important.' Barcelona, Italy.
2016          Article 'I Was Taught to Be Ashamed of My Sexuality' – Edge of Humanity Magazine.
2015          Interview by Tanysha Jane – EZRA magazine, Australia.
2015           Article by John McDonald – The Sydney Morning Herald.
         
Other Professional Activities 

2023         IN CONVERSATION: RAMAK BAMZAR with JULIE MCLAREN, Art Gallery of Ballarat.

2023         Panelist: Interrupting the Photographic Gaze,  Centre for Contemporary Photography Melbourne. 
2023         Panelist: Stories that Stir: Self-Reflection. Head On Photo Festival. Sydney, Australia.
2022         Panelist: Narratives of womanhood. Head On Photo Festival. Sydney, Australia.

2022         Panelist: Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women. BRIGHTSPACER Gallery. Melbourne, Australia.
2019         Panellist – Being an Artist is a Job, Victorian Certificate of Education, Melbourne, Australia.
2015         Panellist – Imagining Iran: contemporary Iranian image-makers, Australian Centre for Photography, Sydne.