What is ANTiPODE?
A Seattle-based LLC founded by two jet-lagged immigrants from Tehran.
Why does it exist?
To create a bridge between Seattle and other cities through group art exhibitions; and to Discuss the immigrant experience and pay attention to the process of transforming an unfamiliar space into a home.
How does it work?
ANTiPODE operates in two main sections:
a) group art exhibitions and b) activation events.
Exhibitions are our material to build the bridge and events are our tool for bringing diverse communities into the activated space.
Can you tell me more?
ANTiPODE is a Seattle-based LLC founded by two jet-lagged immigrants from Tehran: Saina Heshmati and Amir Amini. Saina, the curator, is a full-time artist focused on drawing. Born and raised in Tehran, she moved to France at 23 to study Fine Art and later relocated to Seattle in 2013. She has been living the immigrant's double life in Seattle since then.
Amir, the creative director, is a scientist and poet/writer wannabe, currently researching the sense of touch and haptics in his day job. Born and raised in Tehran, he moved to Seattle at 23 to pursue his PhD in Fluid Mechanics at UW. He has been living the immigrant's double life in Seattle since 2010.
Regarding identity and mission, ANTiPODE sees itself i) as a bridge between Seattle and other cities, and ii) as an excuse to talk about the experience of immigration. As a bridge, we focus on creating connections between cities (rather than countries or nationalities) by bringing high-quality artworks from different cities to Seattle. In regards to immigration, we seek to discuss the experience of being a jet-lagged immigrant in an unfamiliar landscape and the challenges of turning a new space into a home, while avoiding a one-sided victim narrative. We achieve this by collaborating with artists who have experienced immigration one way or another, providing a platform for their art to speak.
Regarding business structure, ANTiPODE operates in two main sections: a) group art exhibitions and b) activation events. To create a long-lasting social impact, we frame our exhibitions with clear, informative, and engaging statements, select artists based on the statement and space, transport artworks to Seattle, install them with standards that meet artist’s requirements, and strike a balance between highlighting each artist individually and curating a harmonious group exhibition. We see events as a tool for activation and bringing diverse communities into the activated space and attract an audience with a broad spectrum of artistic tastes. Working with experts and local partners, ANTiPODE is capable of hosting a variety of events including: short-film/video-art screenings, jazz performances, audio-visual experimental electronic music events, hifi listening sessions, print-making workshops, and fun opening and closing celebrations.
ANTiPODE is able to carry out large projects due to its strong local and international connections.
In Seattle, we are fortunate to have established relationships with local Jazz community through Jazz Fellowship and respected jazz artists like Thomas Marriott and Tim Kennedy. We are also deeply connected with experimental music community through local electronic music labels such as Research, Secondnature, and Ground-Hum. Our marketing efforts are strengthened by partnerships with local press, businesses, and nonprofits, including PublicDisplayArt, Forest For the Trees, Pioneer Square Artwalk community, and Glasswing shops. Finally, our positive relationship with the Seattle Office of Art and Culture enhances our connections within the city.
Internationally, we have connections with visual artists, filmmakers, musicians, and graphic design communities in Tehran, New York, Vancouver, Paris, London, and Rennes.