Mahsa Koochak
Mahsa Koochak, an Iranian filmmaker and director (theater maker), embarked on her creative journey in filmmaking at the Iranian Youth Cinema Society in 2008. After honing her skills, she graduated with a bachelor's degree from Tehran Soore University in 2018. The pandemic became a turning point for her as she delved deeper into photography and personal artistic explorations.
Her work revolves around transformational objects that delve into the intricacies of human behavior, prompting us to question the fragile nature of our intellectual connections(reasonability). In her projects, Mahsa tries to evoke emotions—from disgust and horror to excitement and playfulness—by embracing the liminal spaces of identity fluidity and the in-between. She emphasizes the often-overlooked therapeutic power of touch, reminding us of our physical presence and inviting us to connect with our feelings and sensations in the here and now.
As part of her research in the Das Theater master’s program, Mahsa has shifted her focus to care and nonverbal communication with the world around us. She challenges the traditional emphasis on sight in theater by exploring touch and seeking alternative ways to engage with our experiences. Her work not only questions conventional ideas of care but also dares to frame her artistic practice as a form of resistance against the relentless search for meaning, instead prioritizing the emotional tapestry of existing.
Through her art, Mahsa Koochak invites us to reflect on the complexities of healing and perceiving, the pursuit of a better life, and the myriad sensations that connect us all.