#97 Interview with Dorsa Ahari

New Work Heroes Podcast

The art behind the Collage Edition of the Wish Frame

In this episode we take a deep dive into the career and personal insights of Dorsa Ahari. She is the conceptual artist who created the stunning collages for the New Work Heroes Wish Frame, launched in May 2024. A self-taught artist and engineer, she embarks on a journey through collage that delves into the complex realms of the human mind and soul, creating a strong connection between inner feelings and the world around us.

We talk about Dorsa's journey from Iran to the UK and Berlin, and her experiences of navigating different cultures. How Dorsa's work in engineering complements her artistic endeavours. And the striking similarities between creating art and managing business processes. Here are the four steps of Dorsa's Hero's Journey and the four artworks:

1. The first artwork, Abyssos, explores the struggles and uncertainties faced at the beginning of any significant journey. This piece is predominantly dark, but with subtle hints of hope. It symbolises the feeling of being stuck and drowning in fear, but also shows a glimmer of hope that encourages perseverance. As Dorsa describes: "If you hold on to that glimmer of hope, you will find a way to make your soul or heart sparkle."

2. The second artwork, Metamorphosis, captures the theme of transformation and rebirth. This bright and light piece features images of butterflies, symbolising the profound change from doubt to self-discovery. It illustrates the journey from caterpillar to butterfly, emphasising the importance of following an emotion until it becomes clear and fully embodied.

3. The third artwork, Agon, explores the balancing of inner energies and the overcoming of deep-rooted fears. This composition includes a female body with elements representing both male and female energies, and features a serpent, a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Dorsa explains that "as humans we need to have our feminine and masculine energies in balance. And that is what is incredibly out of balance in the world right now". This artwork highlights the need to embrace and harmonise both sides within ourselves.

4. The fourth and final artwork, Lusis, reflects the integration and acceptance of different aspects of the self. Harmonious and pastel, it depicts two figures merging into one, symbolising the culmination of the journey where different parts of oneself are accepted and integrated. This piece represents a state of balance and harmony, signifying the mastery of one's inner world and the acceptance of both strengths and vulnerabilities.

Podcast Shownotes and New Work Heroes Content:

• Find Dorsa here on Instagram More about the New Work Heroes Wish Frame The Collage Edition May 2024
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• Make the New Work Heroes Career Test
• Book a Coaching with Jörn Hendrik