Jila Nikpay

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Jila Nikpay teaches students of all ages photographic skills in portrait making, utilizing the camera as a tool to explore issues of identity, cultural memory, and team work. Nikpay’s work has been exhibited at the Walker Art Center, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Minnesota Historical Society and numerous institutions nationally and internationally. She is the recipient of many awards for her photography and film from the Jerome and McKnight Foundations, as well as the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her innovative educational projects with immigrant youth have received support both from the McKnight and St. Paul Foundations.


Your photography and energizing discussion were truly inspirational for my students. You have a wonderful way of urging student to explore inside themselves to uncover their identity.

Melissa Nagan, Art teacher, The Blake Middle School 

Jila has a natural ability to connect with kids. After only a short time in the room, she was able to engage them in high level conversation about race, identity, and belonging.

Kathy Haddad, English teacher, Kennedy High School

Programs offered by this artist/ensemble

Residency

Photography and Film
Student activities include creating portraits through digital and/or traditional photography, video, or combining sound and image while they work individually, with their peers, as well as in small groups.

Workshop

Faces of New America: An exploration of American identity
This two-day workshop utilizes the photographs from Faces of New America as a basis for reflective/interactive activities and lively discussions about new immigrants and the American identity with student activities including creation of self-portraits through drawing and/or writing.