Reyhaneh Yazdani

A poem in distance

Reyhaneh Yazdani is an interdisciplinary artist/ designer currently living and working in Vancouver. She received a Master of Fine Arts from Emily Carr University in 2019, a Master of Architecture from the University of Tehran in 2017, and BArch from the University of Sistan & Baluchestan in 2012. She has been the recipient of two Tehran Municipality Art Work Awards, for her creative practice and exceptional urban installations in 2015 and 2016. Her interdisciplinary practice investigates the themes of nomadic identities, bi-lingual explorations, and the implications of colonialism and monoculture in today’s world.
a Poem in Distance sends out poems as a gesture of "care" and "support" to friends and neighbors living in social isolation. Reyhaneh Yazdani (Emily Carr MFA graduates, 2019) has been writing and sharing poems, small paintings, drawings and prints created by invited artists on topics of care, resilience, community, and poetic expressions of hope through the mail. 
The physicality of such a small size letter and the careful artistic decisions and aesthetics create an intimate bond between artists, the words written, and the recipient. Each issue reveals provocative poetry and commentary on issues like identity, racism, and social justice. 
"I grew up in a household where poems and poets were very important and respected. We would open Hafez or Rumi's books when we have gathered around in family time to read poems and get inspirations for our everyday dilemma, or struggles. This is for me a way of showing up for one another, feeling nourished, and connecting to the community through these difficult times."