Zanbagh Lotfi on Being an Artist and Woman in Italy

In an interview with Artribune, Iranian-born artist Zanbagh Lotfi discusses the challenges of being a woman and artist in Italy. She describes the necessity of a double life—working part-time outside art to fund her painting practice—and critiques an art system that often overlooks her work. Lotfi notes that upon arriving in Italy at age 27, she was told she was 'too old for the market' and faced age limits in competitions and from gallerists. She expresses a desire for visibility not for applause but for constructive criticism and recognition. On gender disparity, she recalls being shocked by the difference in valuation between male and female artists, questioning whether hidden sexism persists. Lotfi lives in studio-homes, a lifestyle choice she values for its freedom. The interview is part of a series on women artists following Liliana Moro and Francesca Grilli.