STUDIO
about the artist
Rhumi Maher is a Portland based multimedia artist & designer. Her work explores her cultural heritage as a half Iranian in diaspora. Yaniche or, What does it mean? in Persian, has been a frequent utterance throughout the artist's life.
For Maher, Yaniche encapsulates her bicultural experience & her search for meaning through artistic engagement. In childhood, the question grounded her understanding of the world, as an artist it became a creative inquiry into meaning itself.
Her current work explores themes of gender inclusion, freedom, safety, Iranian contribution to modern social ethics, & at the heart of it all - is a celebration of women as creators.
Education BFA, Portland State University, Portland
Exhibitions She Was Always There, Red E Cafe Gallery, Portland, 2026
In 2026, the current reality of political injustice imposed by theocratic dictatorship clashing with the growing freedom movement of the Iranian people leaves so many of us in a perpetual state of emotional anguish.
One hand holds hope for liberation, the other, fear for the lives of our loved ones. Creating art that celebrates Iranian beauty and resilience has been a grounding practice amidst the turmoil.
