ABOUT ME and my artistic ancestors

In every life story echoes a lineage of voices, colors, and visions that quietly shape who we become.

Biography Mona Harun-Mahdavi

I was born in Tehran in 1975 and have been living in Germany since 1979. Due to my German mother and Persian father, interacting with different cultures is an integral part of my life and enriches it greatly. Growing up between two cultures has shaped my perspective—attentive, curious, and quietly connected. From 1996 to 2000, I studied graphic design in Munich, laying the foundation for my artistic path. Painting has been my lifelong companion, inspired by a series of versatile ancestors whose creative spirit lives on in my works. I have also been writing poetry since my early childhood, initially about gardens and pets, and now about reflections on the world in general. Since my first exhibition in 1991, my paintings have been regularly featured in exhibitions, including at the Bavarian State Parliament in Munich, Germany.