Raha Fard
July 2025
Raha Fard is an Iranian Canadian multidisciplinary artist holding an MFA and BFA from OCAD University, and a Master’s Degree and 14 years of experience in Telecommunication Engineering. As a first-generation immigrant of the Iranian diaspora and a cancer survivor, she works across disciplines to explore the intersection of body, psychoanalysis, politics, and art. Raha was selected as one of the three artist-researchers for AGO X RBC Emerging Artist Exchange Program in 2024. She exhibited her works in Iran, Canada, Italy, and Korea. Ontario Art Council Project and exhibition Grant, Full Ontario Graduate Scholarship (5 semesters), Graduate Studies Research Grant, First Year Graduate Award, OCAD U President’s Award, Patricia Joy Alpert Memorial Award, Art Gallery of Mississauga’s 4th Annual Juried Show Second Prize and Scarborough Arts' 36th Annual Juried Exhibition Award are some of her awards. Also, she has published a novel in Farsi “محوشدگی “with Mehri Publication based in the UK, which was included in the list of ten Farsi books published outside Iran in 2023 by BBC Farsi.
“My time at SAR was filled with peace and motivation in an inspiring environment that gives the artists a perfect level of privacy. I had the chance to meet with Catherine Pierre, an indigenous artist and weaver, during my stay at SAR. I appreciate Alexandra Bischoff, the residency supportive and helpful coordinator, for arranging this meeting during my stay. Also, my artist talk at Penticton Art Gallery was a productive wrap-up to my two-week residency. Thanks to the Penticton & District Community Arts Council, Similkameen Artist Residency and Penticton Art Gallery for making that happen.”
Raha Fard, Testimonial
