Behnaz Ghasempour (b. 1991, Kerman, Iran), based in Virginia.

Behnaz is an Iranian artist whose work delves into human connection, resilience, and interdependence. Inspired by her cultural heritage and personal experiences, she uses the human body as a canvas to explore isolation, self-reflection, and shared emotions.

A key influence in Behnaz's work is the Persian prefix “Ham” _ "هم" , meaning "together" or "same." Words such as ham-madreseh (classmate), ham-vatan (compatriot), and ham-boghz (shared sorrow) inspire her exploration of deep human connections and shared narratives. These cultural and linguistic nuances form the foundation of her practice, inviting audiences to reflect on the unseen threads that unify us.

In her recent works, Behnaz incorporates copper and thread to symbolize the intimacy and resilience of human connections. Copper links her to her Iranian hometown, where artisans in the old bazaar have honed this craft for generations. Threads evoke needlecraft traditions and cherished memories of her grandmother and mother sewing, embodying enduring bonds of care and love. Together, these materials weave tradition and personal history into her exploration of shared human experiences.

Behnaz earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Painting from Iran. She is now pursuing her MFA in Studio Art at James Madison University.