Zahra Jafarzadeh Has Successfully Defended Her MFA Thesis
We are excited to announce that Zahra Jafarzadeh has successfully defended her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) thesis at the University of Calgary. Her thesis exhibition, Story of Oil Wives, sheds light on an often-overlooked part of Canada’s energy history—the women who played vital roles during the oil boom of the mid-20th century. Through her innovative use of animated documentaries and digital collage, Zahra brings to life the untold stories of these resilient women, known as “oil wives.”
Zahra’s project is inspired by archival materials from the Canadian Energy Museum, where she explored photographs, oral histories, and vintage objects. With a focus on re-examining historical narratives through a feminine lens, her work challenges the traditionally male-dominated discourse around the oil industry. Through rotoscoping and digital collage, she weaves together archival imagery with modern animation techniques, creating a vibrant visual tapestry that immerses viewers in the lives of these unsung heroines.
Her animated documentaries provide an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of the oil wives, highlighting both their struggles and triumphs. These women supported not only their families but also the oil industry itself through their labor and resilience, yet their contributions have largely remained invisible in historical accounts. By amplifying their voices and experiences, Zahra’s work invites us to rethink our understanding of Canada’s energy history.
In her artist statement, Zahra reflects on how animation uniquely documents the “undocumentable,” allowing her to capture not only historical events but also the emotional depth and aspirations of these women. This approach creates a multidimensional tribute to the oil wives, blending factual history with evocative storytelling to ensure that their legacy is remembered.
Zahra’s thesis defense marks a significant milestone in her academic journey, and Story of Oil Wives stands as a powerful reminder of the crucial yet often marginalized contributions of women to Canada’s past. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement and eagerly anticipate the continued impact of her work in both art and historical discourse.
Stay tuned for future exhibitions and projects from Zahra Jafarzadeh, as she continues to explore themes of gender, history, and identity through her innovative artistic practice.
