The Art Of NFTs: Maryam Baghbani

Maryam Baghbani

Upon first encountering ‘Struggle’ by Maryam Baghbani, I was struck by an immediate and profound reaction. It was as if my initial confusion gave way to a deep emotional and intuitive resonance. I found myself in a space between consciousness and dream, where natural feelings and primal understanding intertwined. Words failed me, but I knew I was deeply connected to the piece.

To understand this connection better, it’s important to revisit the Fall of 2022. By that time, I had spent over a year navigating the crypto art world, expanding from Ethereum to explore new blockchains. At that time, the Tezos blockchain had become a vibrant hub for emerging NFT artists with its low minting fees and ever growing communities.

Browsing through OBJKT, Tezos’ popular marketplace, I’d often stumbled upon digital versions of physical artworks that resonated with my taste — abstract, surreal, minimalist, and energetic pieces that evoked a deep, indescribable connection.

“Struggle” by Maryam Baghbani. Ink and Pen on cardboard, 2019

“Struggle” was one of those pieces that caught my attention and compelled me to delve deeper. The composition filled my screen with a stunning interplay of intricate lines and bold, abstract shapes. Swirling patterns and geometric motifs created dynamic tension and fluidity, pulsing with life and capturing my gaze. It was raw, ancient, and visceral, the essence of something untouched by modernity. Fundamental in its purity and intensity, it evoked echoes of our most basic origins.

Over time, I discovered this was not a one-off fluke. Maryam Baghbani’s work stands out for its rich symbolism, emotional depth, and intricate designs. Each piece is a testament to her ability to weave complex narratives through visual art, capturing the viewer’s imagination with her compelling use of Black and white, color, texture, and form in any medium. Her art resonates deeply, drawing from personal experiences and universal themes to forge a powerful connection with her audience. While her style is uniquely her own, it reflects influences from several renowned artists.

Her abstract forms echo Picasso’s Cubism, exploring reality and perception. The dreamlike quality of her work blends Dalí’s fantastical symbolism, while Basquiat’s expressive style parallels her bold lines and intensity. Additionally, Bacon’s exploration of the human condition is evident in her emotional, sometimes distorted figures.

Physical, original works by Maryam Baghbani — “End Of Questions” & “Struggle”

Baghbani’s art transcends the confines of NFTs, seamlessly blending rich artistic traditions with modern expression. Each piece offers a unique journey into the depths of human experience. Recently, I was fortunate to acquire two of her original, physical artworks, which I also own as NFTs: ‘Struggle’ and ‘End Of Questions.’

As I spent time with these pieces, I found myself lost in her intricate line work, precise perspective, and the sheer brilliance of her craft. Subtle shifts in contrast revealed hidden details with each glance, drawing me deeper into the compositions. Her creations didn’t just capture my attention; they invited me to explore and uncover the layers of meaning embedded within.

Baghbani seamlessly blends technical precision with emotional intensity, and her meticulous attention to detail results in pieces that are both visually captivating and profoundly moving. Maryam Baghbani’s artistry exemplifies modern mastery, wielding any brush, pen, or pencil with unparalleled skill and finesse.

For those who are captivated by Baghbani’s unique vision, I encourage you to delve deeper into her portfolio and discover the visual, emotional, and artistic depth of her work. Follow her journey on social media and stay updated with her latest creations.

“Sunrise” by Maryam Baghbani

Please introduce yourself

My name is Maryam. I am a physical painter living in a small town in Iran. Around 2010, I started drawing every day. I looked in the mirror and drew what I saw in my face, but what I drew did not capture all dimensions. Painting slowly became a way to explore my unknowns — a place where I could know and express myself freely and without restrictions. Painting somehow shows my deepest feelings and what all humans are experiencing. Sometimes it is very tender, sometimes it is painful and terrible. This is the world that we often avoid facing because it is always accompanied by suffering. And suffering is inevitable in art.

During a painting, I don’t actually create anything; these forms already exist in me. I just bring them out of the darkness and face them. They are fluid forms that, at first, I don’t know what they are, and then their meaning becomes clear to me. Sometimes, I may not know their meaning for a long time!

“Self Portrait 7” by Maryam Baghbani

When did you first realize that you had a talent for art?

In the early years of my childhood, I had an illness that was accompanied by delusions and brought me into a surreal world. At first, I didn’t understand it; I just painted, and my paintings were noticed by the people around me. Now, I think my talent in painting came from my need to overcome my fears and delusions as a child.

What are your favorite materials to work with and why?

The material of my work is usually changing. I find it easier to work with pencils, pens, and markers because they’re fast, lightweight, and always with me.

“Mother” by Maryam Baghbani

How has your style or technique evolved over the years?

My work process has been like this:

8 years of seeing practice, academic design, including collections of portraits, figures, and still lifes.

5 years of searching in white and black colors, texture, and form. At this stage, freely expressing myself was formed. I started to draw the forms that crossed my mind every moment.

I started my search in the world of color in 2023 and it will continue.

“The River” by Maryam Baghbani

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from my life, from what has infiltrated my mind over the years and now emerges in the form of an image. Painting, for me, is a way to access the deepest layers of my being, which are also present in all human beings. It is a kind of projection that happens freely and without thinking in me. I paint impromptu, and the subject and meaning always appear in a mysterious state, like a feeling that cannot always be expressed, but in which everyone can find their own mind and meaning.

What inspires you?

Nature is my biggest inspiration, along with music, poetry, dreams, and meditation.

“Reflection” by Maryam Baghbani

How did you get involved with NFTs?

I came across “NFT” in the digital space, and the display of artwork intrigued me. Being able to register my art on the blockchain was very exciting and important to me.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of art?

Yes, I have become interested in psychology and philosophy through painting! I also love music and poetry.

Who are your influences?

Rumi, Hafez and Beethoven have had a great influence on my artistic path.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I tell my younger self to judge yourself less and be more kind to yourself.