Maryam Hafizirad is a Deaf Canadian Persian painter and sculptor.
She began painting bright Persian and Deaf View Image Art (De’VIA) metaphors with acrylic, crushed coloured glass and watercolour – using symbols of her Persian and Deaf identity – pomegranates (symbols of hidden love released) fish in water (sincere human beings in her silent world of pure beauty) and birds (embodying freedom). The third phase of her work fuses these symbols in large mixed media installation experiences with ceramic, colourful, glazed sculptures, handshapes and large eyes affirming her Deaf identity, graceful language, quiet strength and life itself. Studio artist, art curator and art teacher, Maryam is the recipient of numerous art awards in Iran and Canada and recipient of numerous arts grants for her professional artistry in both painting and sculpture.
