TEHRAN Romina Rouhi Dayan is a young artist who has been drawing beautiful paintings at home for the past 10 years.
Living with her parents, Rouhi has turned her house into an art gallery. In addition to her oil paintings, she has created remarkable works on pottery. She has learned her art through experience as well as through the teachings of prominent masters such as Master Alizadeh. The young painter believes that painting imparts a pleasant feeling to the individual.
In an interview with the TEHRAN TIMES, Rouhi said, "I forget everything, particularly my problems while I paint. Now that I am young, drawing brings me peace and calm; I am sure it will do the same when I am old.
Rouhi's paintings are in the style of realism; they are understandable to everyone. "I look for reality in my work; I like to create what is real. I believe that the apparent beauty in a work of art is not very important. Color can influence the viewer. I love color. As a child I color everything. Life is more beautiful with colors." "Unfortunately, certain arts have been alienated; others are of a particular period, as the coffee house paintings (a traditional Persian style). However, in my opinion, all paintings, including traditional Iranian and coffee house, should be presented and considered alongside each other.
Rouhi, who has thus far created over 50 paintings, has preserved the Iranian style in her works. "I don't agree with modernism; I feel that it is not favored by all." As for the relation between art and life, Rouhi said, principally one cannot live without art. We should lead children toward art; and we should pay due attention to art in schools.
Criticizing families which prohibit their daughters from becoming active in art, Rouhi said, "Families should allow their children, particularly their daughters', artistic talents to flourish.
Most limitations are imposed by the family, not the society.
The society, in my opinion, highly welcomes artists."