An interview taken from our new issue THE CLASS OF 2025, introducing Luckybamero, a talented digital painter whose captivating artworks illuminate the often-overlooked experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in Iran. Through his unique lens, he weaves together themes of identity, environment, and social issues, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects both the beauty and challenges of queer existence in a society where homosexuality remains a crime.
“My focus is on creating a culture of gay life in Iran,” Luckybamero explains. “People face immense difficulties, unable to discuss their identities openly with family and friends. Drawing from my country’s rich culture and history, I aim to improve the lives of Iranian LGBTQ+ individuals and convey that we are not from an unknown planet; we live, love, and aspire just like everyone else.”
Embark on a journey through Luckybamero’s art, where each piece serves as a powerful testament to resilience and hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Can you tell us about your artistic journey and how Luckybamero came to be your chosen name?
My artistic journey began when I started to engage with the world of art as a self-taught individual. After graduating in architecture, I decided to express my feelings and experiences through digital paintings. Since 2017, by sharing my works on social media, I’ve aimed to portray the world around me and share it with others.
Throughout this journey, I’ve faced many challenges, especially as a queer artist in a society with strict social and cultural constraints. These challenges motivated me to explore various themes, including environmental issues and LGBTQ+ identity, in my works. Inspired by Iran’s history and culture, particularly the Qajar era, I strive to view modern issues through this lens.
The choice of the name “luckybamero” reflects my connection to my Iranian identity and culture. “Lucky” signifies good fortune, while “bamero” is a blend of my real name and my experiences. This name expresses my desire for a better and more beautiful life, both for myself and my community. Thus, my works serve as representatives of hope and social change.
Through my art, I aim to create a space for dialogue and mutual understanding among individuals. With this name and my works, I seek to inspire others and encourage them to comprehend the beauties and challenges of life.
Your work focuses on the LGBTQ+ community in Iran. What motivated you to create art that specifically highlights the experiences and challenges faced by this community?
My motivation arises from personal experiences and observing the daily struggles of individuals living in Iran’s traditional LGBTQ+ community, especially those in smaller towns and villages. They face tradition and the fear of being ostracized by their families and friends, particularly in cases like the murder of Alireza Fazeli Monfared, a young man killed by his family solely due to their ignorance about the rainbow community and their entanglement with tradition. My goal is to amplify their voices in a world that often overlooks them.
How do you integrate themes of identity, environment, and social issues into your art? Can you provide specific examples?
I use cultural and natural symbols from Iran to convey social messages, which is evident in much of my work. I effectively blend modern and traditional elements in my pieces, allowing both Iranian and international audiences to empathize and understand that the LGBTQ+ community lives just like everyone else and isn’t from another planet.
In your opinion, what is the role of art in advocating for social change, particularly for marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community in Iran?
Art possesses unparalleled power and can serve as a tool for expressing and conveying the feelings and experiences of marginalized individuals. Through art, we can create a space for dialogue and raise awareness about the social and cultural challenges we face. Art can foster a sense of solidarity and understanding among different communities and contribute to social awakening.
You have collaborated with well-known magazines and brands. How have these experiences influenced your work and your visibility as an artist?
Collaborating with renowned magazines and brands has allowed me to elevate my voice to a global level and reach a broader audience. These experiences not only allow me to showcase my works on diverse platforms but also enable me to connect with other artists and creatives and share new ideas. Additionally, these collaborations provide me the chance to use art as a means to advance social messages and emphasize the importance of solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
What message do you hope to convey through your artwork about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran?
I want to demonstrate that we, LGBTQ+ individuals, take pride in the beauty and depth of our humanity, and our stories deserve to be heard because we are human too and not from another planet. Like everyone else, we experience and feel love. My goal is to create a space for dialogue and empathy so that others understand that love and humanity are a universal language for all.
Can you share any specific challenges you’ve encountered while creating art that focuses on LGBTQ+ themes in a culturally conservative environment?
As a gay artist in Iran, I cannot exhibit my works in public exhibitions due to social and cultural constraints. These challenges motivate me to share my work online and connect with others through this medium. These limitations have pushed me toward greater innovation and creativity, allowing me to amplify the voices of those living in the shadows.
How do you think the international community perceives the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran, and how do you use your art to bridge that gap?
The international community is often unaware of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran. I strive to share real stories and experiences through my works to raise awareness about the realities of our lives. This allows me to portray shared human emotions and experiences, emphasizing empathy and mutual understanding.
In what ways do you draw inspiration from the rich culture and history of Iran in your work, especially concerning LGBTQ+ identities?
I draw inspiration from Iran’s rich history and culture, particularly during the Qajar era when homosexuality was more accepted. In the past, Iran even had drag shows known as “Shahid Bazi,” where beautiful male slaves sang and performed in special costumes for kings. This history helps me narrate new stories about LGBTQ+ identity and demonstrate to others that we exist not only as a community but also as part of Iran’s history.
Read the full interview here:
