Zahra Zare, My Lost Connections (2024)
Country of Origin: Iran
Animation
Artist Statement
In My Lost Connections, I blend my skills as an artist and designer, using both 2D and 3D techniques. The animation tells the story of my life as a traveler, from my teenage years living far away from my family to the present. In this film, I explore the challenges of deciding what to bring with me, leaving behind parts of my life. As an Iranian student in the USA, dealing with visa restrictions adds another layer of difficulty. My Lost Connections is a personal project that also reflects the experiences of other Iranian students. Through this animation, I wanted to show the emotional journey of leaving home and adapting to new places. I hope it helps people understand the struggles that Iranian students face when they move to a new country.
Biography
Zahra Zare is currently an instructor, multimedia artist, and designer at UConn. Early in her artistic journey, while perusing a BA in Painting at the University of Tehran, she began exploring experimental under-camera animation techniques. This led to earning a MA in Directing Animation from Tehran University of Art, where she probed the complexities of her relationship with her twin sister, emphasizing their unique identities yet inseparable bond. Zahra also holds a MA in Art History of Rome from Tor Vergata University of Rome. While earning the MFA in Digital Media Design at UConn, she remained committed to experimental animation, drawing from her personal narrative of leaving behind family, friends, and country. Each phase of her education and life has shaped her artistic expression, culminating in a poignant exploration of identity, connection, and human experience.
