Traditional roots, technological shoots, social pursuits: Mozhgan Afrisham’s art

Based in the UAE, contemporary artist and art educator Mozhgan Afrisham works in mixed media, blending symbolism, innovation, and storytelling. Her works have been featured in major exhibitions across the UAE and internationally.

She is dedicated to sustainability, cultural dialogue, and community empowerment: she leverages art as a transformative medium, undertaking projects such as workshops, to further the cause of art and bring social change. “I specialise in contemporary mixed media and digital art that emphasises sustainability, innovation, and emotional storytelling,” Mozhgan says.

“My creative approach merges traditional techniques with digital advancements to create impactful, multidimensional works. Beyond exhibitions, I have conducted therapeutic and eco-conscious workshops, mentored children of determination, and supported numerous cultural education initiatives.”

Welcoming the world.

Mozhgan’s art practice explores cultural fusion, emotional landscapes, and investigates the transition from traditional to digital creative expression. “My mission is to preserve cultural heritage while driving innovation through digital transformation,” she says.

“By blending traditional art techniques with contemporary tools such as mixed media, digital illustration and AI, I empower both emerging and established artists to adapt, evolve, and thrive. Through my artwork, workshops and educational programmes, I aim to foster an inclusive, forward-thinking creative ecosystem that enriches the artistic landscape of the United Arab Emirates.”

With over a decade of experience in the global art scene, Mozhgan’s work features vibrant colour palettes, symbolic storytelling, and cultural identity, drawing inspiration from tribal traditions, heritage, and surrealist aesthetics. Her artistic expression is grounded in the interplay of emotion, nature, and creativity. “Embracing a mindfulness-based creative process, I offer a space for reflection, growth and self-expression, preserving cultural identity, while reimagining it through contemporary tools,” Mozhgan says. “My work aims to inspire others by building a bridge between tradition and modernity.”

A portrait looks out fearlessly.

She explains the features of her work this way. They consist of concept development, which is story-driven and has symbolic compositions rooted in culture with modern expression; traditional art techniques, including calligraphy, sketching, hand-painting, collage, and design motifs; digital art and AI integration, inclusive of proficiency in digital painting, illustration, animation and AI tools; mixed media applications which combine digital and traditional methods through texture layering, hand embellishment, and surface enhancement techniques; creative facilitation, which includes leading workshops across digital art, illustration, mixed media mediums; and community and cultural engagement, involving organising and participating in live art shows, cultural exhibitions and collaborative art initiatives, including immersive digital showcases such as the one at TODA (Theatre Of Digital Art), Dubai.

Mozhgan has been featured in many publications in the UAE and has been recognised with the van Eyck Award for Most Outstanding Contemporary Painter – Luminary Awards (2024) and has been a Featured Artist in the Coffee Table Book launched during the Indian Independence Day Art Event at Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), in collaboration with Namaste India (2023).

“I have been contributing regularly to empowerment programmes, workshops concerning children of determination and inclusive art initiatives,” Mozhgan says. “I am an active member of Dubai’s creative community through partnerships, mentorships, and exhibitions.” She has partnered with leading art platforms such as ZeeArts Gallery, Art4You Gallery and DIAC, to promote sustainability, social awareness, and inclusive creativity through community based art initiatives.

Mozhgan Afrisham is based in the Emirates.

The art empowerment programmes she has taken part in include those for individuals of determination and children on the autism spectrum. “I take part in such projects to foster self-expression, confidence, and inclusion through creativity for special needs children,” Mozhgan says. She has collaborated with Zayed Higher Organization (Abu Dhabi), Ma’an, and ZeeArts Gallery, for social causes.

“I have contributed to the UAE National Day exhibition at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, presenting inclusive artworks for children with autism,” Mozhgan points out. “I have done live painting for breast cancer awareness and for sustainability and environment.” She is a registered volunteer with Ma’an, actively supporting socially driven creative and wellness initiatives and has trained participants in using AI and digital art tools as part of advancing youth empowerment.

The exhibitions she has taken part include World Art Dubai (2025), where she exhibited signature mixed media works focused on identity and calligraphy; Theatre Of Digital Art (TODA), Dubai, in a solo digital motion art exhibition, blending visual storytelling and music for an audience of 200+; Bahaar Exhibition, at the Falcon Villa of Emirati art doyenne Sultana Kazim, where she took part in a UNESCO International Action Art Symposium; Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi 53rd UAE National Day Art Exhibition, displaying artworks with ZeeArts, Ma’an, and Zayed Higher Organization in a collaborative and inclusive event; Zayed Higher Organization x Ma’an x ZeeArts, Atelier Little Picasso, as volunteer trainer in a 3-day empowerment workshop for children with autism, Abu Dhabi; Funun Arts Group exhibition titled Myself, My Identity as an Artist in a show themed around cultural identity and in the Art4You Gallery Beyond Her Art Exhibition, where she was selected as Top Finalist showcasing women-centric themes. International exhibitions include those in Captaloona Art Gallery, Madrid, and at the House of Culture, Braunschweig, Germany, as representative in a cross-cultural exhibition in Europe.

Mozhgan is among the artists who utilise art for creating positive social change. Art plays a significant role in addressing and raising awareness about social causes by providing a powerful medium for communication, emotional engagement and social activism, says AI. Artists can use their work to challenge societal norms, spark conversations and inspire action, ultimately contributing to beneficial social change, it concludes.