Shideh Tami, a multi-talented artist, was born in Tehran. A self-taught painter, Tami began her formal artistic journey at the age of 21 when she attended Aydin Aghdashloo's classes for a brief period. Alongside her passion for painting, she nurtured a deep interest in literature, publishing her first poetry collection, "Pardeyeh Sormei-e-Shab," in 1987.
Tami's artistic career gained momentum in 1993 when she exhibited her figurative works for the first time at the Mansooreh Hosseini Gallery, inspired by Parvaneh Etemdi. Her international debut came in 1998 with a solo exhibition at the Association of Dynamic Art and Culture in Paris. The following year, she showcased her work in the Paris Arts District. Tami's art has since been exhibited in the United States, Armenia, England, and the UAE.
In addition to her visual art, Tami is also a prolific poet and writer. She has published several poetry collections and authored three children's books. Her visual work has garnered attention from prominent figures in the art world, including Fereydoun Ave, a notable collector of contemporary Iranian art.
Tami's paintings often feature her own face or the faces of other females, depicted in muted and dark colors. These faces, with their faded and sorrowful expressions, convey a profound sense of inner pain. Her artwork frequently includes figures with mutilated limbs, adding a layer of bitter and biting commentary.
Her portraits have a strong psychological quality, offering a glimpse into the mental and emotional states of her subjects. She uses exaggeration and distortion—such as removing the nose, elongating the face, or altering the eyes—to enhance this effect. Her limited color palette and shaky lines contribute to the unique atmosphere of her works.
Shideh Tami's art is a powerful exploration of the human condition, marked by her distinctive style and emotional depth. Her contributions to both the visual arts and literature have cemented her place as a significant figure in contemporary Iranian art.