With a whopping sale at the French auction house Artcurial and a recent show at the Third Line Gallery in Dubai (just finished) GOLNAZ  FATHI has something to be happy about. Known for her beautiful abstract calligraphies – which have more to do with Jackson Pollock than Islamic Art – Fathi is now experimenting with new, more conceptual and minimalist techniques. Between her many trips and her work in her Tehran atelier, Fathi tells us what she does, what she likes and what’s in that handbag of hers.

Today, you are an established artist, but was it always easy for you?

Not at all! I’ve worked really hard and I had so many ups and downs.

What are you working on now?

On a new series of paintings, it’s a totally new style from what I’ve done before.

Do you think calligraphy will always be important in Middle Eastern art?

I think so.

How do you explain the recent boom of interest for Arab and Iranian art?

We deserve it.

If you could change one thing in Teheran, what would it be?

To have freedom.

Would you ever consider moving somewhere else?

Sometimes I think about it…

Who is the one living artist you admire most?

There’s more than one but the one that comes to mind right now is Bill Viola.

What’s your favourite dish?

It has to be Chelo Kebab – it’s a typically Iranian dish.

And your favourite movie?

Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini.

On a normal day, what do you carry in your handbag?

Not that much actually! My keys, Emporio Armani sunglasses, a purse, a chap stick, Oral B dental floss, a simple pen and some tissues. Sorry to disappoint you!

Illustration by Gabriela Mot