ATHENA MOTAMEDI │SWELLING

Athena Motamedi is a Tehran-born expressionist visual artist known for her evocative ink drawings. With a strong academic background in illustration and a passion for experimental expression, she has showcased her work in numerous prestigious exhibitions worldwide and gained recognition in both traditional and digital art scenes, including the NFT space.

“In the human psyche, two forces are constantly at odds: one is personal desires and cravings, and the other is social norms and conventions. These two are not necessarily aligned, and as a “social animal,” a human being is compelled to rein in and suppress their individual urges.
Yet, these desires do not vanish entirely—they instead transform, creeping beneath the surface like a mutated creature. Their wounds fester, scab over, and eventually, the captive being morphs into something no longer recognizable from its original form.”

Athena Motamedi has significantly impacted the art world, showcasing her captivating creations at numerous prestigious art events in Iran and around the globe over the past decade. In 2025, her work garnered notable attention at the National Library of Romania in Bucharest, where she participated in an official exhibition held on April 4-5. Additionally, she was honored to be one of 22 featured artists for the Black History Month Exhibition at the Gateway Hotel in Miami South Beach, proudly represented by One Love Digital Gallery throughout February.

In 2024, Motamedi’s artistic journey flourished with her presentation at Asia’s Largest Blockchain Event in Tokyo in October, a gathering that attracted attention in the art world communities. She was also highlighted as one of six featured artists at the renowned JRNY Gallery in Las Vegas.
Further enhancing her visibility, she participated in the Art Lovers Lounge group exhibition, celebrated during International Women’s Month, which was uniquely showcased on digital billboards in the iconic Times Square, New York.

“But which is more real—the imprisoned self beneath the skin, or its outward appearance? In my view, what takes place in the dungeons of the mind is far more compelling and intense than the external facade. I believe that at times we become so adept at repressing and hiding our personal desires that we forget they ever existed.
What you see here is an exercise in making the invisible visible—in dissecting the shadows.“

Athena Motamedi’s artistic contributions have not only captured the eyes of art enthusiasts but have also been acknowledged in various international publications. She has participated in engaging interviews on prominent online art platforms, sharing her insights and passion for art with a broader audience.

See the full article in Art Market Magazine Edition #104