Sara Madandar is an Iranian multi-disciplinary artist based in New Orleans. She received her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin and her BA in painting from the Azad University of Art and Architecture in Tehran. Through a range of media such as painting, video, installation, and performance—Madandar explores migration and the human experience of living in between cultures.

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A small painting (In process) which I was working on while I waited for the Window #2 stretcher to be ready. — A small painting (In process) which I was working on while I waited for the *Window #2* stretcher to be ready.

When I began the residency, I hoped I would finish at least three paintings by the end of May. But as usual, working in the studio has its own surprises. While I finished four small paintings in April, I had to be patient in May: even delivery of materials to the studio seemed to take forever. In the meantime, I am documenting my studio practice working on the piece titled Window #2. I would like to share some images that inspired the concept for my Window series, as well as some photos and videos of my process.

The images below are from 19th century Iran, when the Qajar dynasty ruled the country. What I like about these paintings is how the figures are posing in front of arched windows. The windows in the background are in perspective, yet the rug in foreground is in two dimensional, much like Persian miniature paintings from an earlier era.

A lady playing a Tonbak, Persia, first half 19th century, oil on canvas framed

A mother and child, attributable to Muhammad Hasan, Persia, Circa 1810-1830, oil on canvas 188.3 by 86.6cm.

Stretcher/frame for Window #2, 64”x 53” — Stretcher/frame for *Window #2*, 64”x 53”

Giuliano Bugiardini, Madonna Breastfeeding Jesus, 16th century Oil on canvas, 82.5 cm x 58.5 cm

Back of the painting titled Window #2, 64”x 53” — Back of the painting titled *Window #2*, 64”x 53”