Being an artist in the turbulent times that is the 21st century can be challenging. From global political turmoil to the rapid development of AI, there are plenty of things to navigate or to confront. Bridging all of these things is the work of Helia Rafie. Currently working in the countryside of Groningen at the Bierumer School, we spoke to her about her work.
“Born in 1994 in Tehran, Iran, I moved to the Netherlands in 2016 and have been residing here since. Originally I studied Interior design in Iran and during my studies I was slowly drawn into art history. The initial spark for studying art in Europe stemmed from dissatisfaction with the censorship of art in Iran, where even paintings face many restrictions. My journey led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree at Minerva and later a Master's at Frank Mohr in Media Art and Technology.
Over time, my many interests evolved while the core remained the same – understanding how reality functions and how it can be manipulated. I delved into various aspects of this, exploring the workings of propaganda, media, and the intersection of philosophy. Coming from Iran, technology has been a liberating tool for me. The internet served as my gateway to learning and connecting with the world. I witnessed revolutions sparked by social media, while I simultaneously acknowledge both the negative and positive sides that social media brings with it.
Research philosophy generally guides my work, rooted in chaotic exploration
In recent years, my focus has been on spaces, places, and reality, examining how technology influences them and vice versa. Drawing inspiration from philosophers like Heidegger and Foucault, I delve into otherly spaces, aiming to merge the physical and virtual realms. We exist in a reality that is intertwined with the virtual, each influencing the other. Digital creation lacks material limitations, posing questions about its manifestation in the physical realm. My artistic journey took me through various endeavors,resulting in setting up pseudo companies, fake enterprises and including the creation of my own TV programs, highlighting the manipulation of reality. Research philosophy generally guides my work, rooted in chaotic exploration. Themes like upgraded humans, eternal life, and enhanced memory captivate me.
Because I didn’t like being confined to working solely on a laptop, I recently started working more with my hands and reintroduced intuitive working into my practice. Now, my work is loosely informed by research, all the while creating an uncanny and eerie atmosphere.
Navigating the virtual and physical lanes simultaneously, I use DIY methods and work with Arduino sensors, implementing them into physical structures. The objective is to blur the line between the physical and virtual worlds, creating liminal spaces that resonate with the concept of heterotopias – in-between spaces where possibilities unfold. I aim to raise questions rather than prove points, adopting a dystopian approach that challenges humanity's role in its own problems. Quasi Inspired by the digital world-making of cyberpunk and science fiction, my work expresses a mindset that embraces the beauty in ugliness.
At the Bierumer School there will be a robot for when I'm not present
Currently I’m exhibiting at Y2 and preparing for an exhibition at the Bierumer School, aiming to merge them and explore liminal spaces. The representation of elements in these spaces will be a key focus, and I plan to transport the audience between locations, creating a unique experience. My material choices, including foam, reflect a preference for simplicity. At the Bierumer School there will be a robot going around the space, which will act as a substitute for me when I am absent from the physical space.
Collaboration holds a special place in my artistic journey. I co-founded the Bureau of Alternative Vision, promising to take audiences to the 4th dimension. This collaborative spirit, influenced by the internet, is crucial in navigating the unstable landscape of media. In essence, my work strives to capture the transitional and magical qualities of liminal spaces, questioning reality and pushing artistic boundaries.”
Text (written in Bierum): Dinnis van Dijken
Photos (taken in Helia's studio in Groningen): Lisa Jasperina Bommerson