Bio
Maryam (Nilu) Ghasempour Siahgaldeh (b. 1994) is an Iranian artist and researcher working with documentary and conceptual photography. She is currently an MFA candidate in Photography at Kansas State University. Before moving to the United States, her work focused on northern Iran, where she documented intimate moments from everyday life, with particular attention to older women and men living under the Islamic regime, as well as broader social justice issues, including women’s rights and child labor.
After years of artistic restriction and censorship, she, like many Iranian artists, was forced into migration and exile. Since then, her practice has been shaped by the experience of living between memory and displacement, navigating a dual position as both insider and outsider. This in-between space informs her visual language and research-driven approach.
Her work merges photography, archival materials, and critical inquiry to explore themes of migration, memory, gender, and survival. Through layered images and long-term projects, she examines how women and immigrant communities carry home, identity, and resistance across borders.
Currently, she documents life in the United States through the perspective of someone unable to return home due to political oppression, revisiting and reinterpreting her archive to reflect on longing, resilience, and belonging.
CV
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Photography – Kansas State University, United States, Fall 2024–Present
Master of Integrated Visual Art – Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States, 2023, GPA: 3.72/4.0
B.A. in Graphic Design – Mir Emad Institute of Higher Education, Qazvin, Iran, 2013–2015, GPA: 3.71/4.0
Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design – Tehran Shariaty Governmental University, Tehran, Iran, 2011–2013, GPA: 3.11/4.0
Teaching Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Kansas State University, Fall 2024–Present
Teaching Digital Intro Photo
Graduate Teaching Assistant / Lecturer Assistance – Iowa State University, 2023
Classroom management and material development
Assisting professors with grading and assessment
Leading discussion sections, labs, and workshops
Developing course materials and assisting in grading
Coordinating student activities and collaborative projects
Art Instructor – Lahijan, Guilan, Iran, 2016-2020
Taught traditional and contemporary art, drawing, and digital design
Developed lesson plans and hands-on projects for diverse student groups
Led workshops, including fabric printing, and guided student portfolios
Organized student exhibitions and collaborative projects
Work Experience
Photography Instructor - Pelk Institute, Guilan, Iran, 2017-2022
Taught digital and analog photography techniques
Developed lesson plans and hands-on projects
Mentored students on portfolios and exhibitions
Organized student photography projects and showcases
Scholarships
AAUW Manhattan Branch KSU Scholarship, Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, United States, 2025
Full Scholarship, Anderson Ranch Center Workshop, Snowmass Village, CO, United States, 2025
$1000 Scholarship, Penland School of Craft, North Carolina, United States, 2025
First Generation Scholarship, Kansas State University, KS, United States, Fall 2024
Timothy R. Donghae Graduate Scholarship, KS, United States, 2024–2025
Bryce & Rita Pearsall for Excellence Scholarship, Iowa State University, IA, United States, Spring 2024
Bryce & Rita Fund for Excellence, Iowa State University, IA, United States, July 2023
Miremad University, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Qazvin, Iran, 2015
Tehran Shariati Governmental University, Full Educational Scholarship, Tehran, Iran, 2011-2014
Awards
Decagon Gallery, Second Place, $300 Prize, The Planet Earth Photography Exhibition: Veins of the Planet, New York, United States, 2025
Decagon Gallery, Third Place, $200 Prize, Photography: Vanishing Borders, United States, July 2025
Mistake House Magazine Editors’ $100 Prize for Photography, Bound Yet Free, United States, 2025
"Word & Picture" – Center for Fine Art Photography, Online Group Exhibition, Director’s Prize, Director: Hamidah Glasgow, United States, 2024
Design United Award, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States, 2024
Qazvin Miremad Institute, First Place Photography “Domestic Violence”, Qazvin, Iran, 2016
First Place in Poster Group Exhibition, Domestic Violence, Qazvin Technical & Vocational University, Qazvin, Iran, 2015
Honorable Mention
International Photography Awards (IPA), People/Self-Portrait, 2025
Decagon Gallery, Honorable Mention for photography Interiors: Bound Yet Free, Lost and Becoming, United States, July 1, 2025
Mistake House Magazine, Bound Yet Free, Lost and Becoming, The Shadow of Belonging, United States, 2025
"Word & Picture" – Center for Fine Art Photography, Online Group Exhibition, United States, 2024
Poster Design, Director’s Choice, Tehran Shariaty Technical College of Art, Tehran, Iran, 2012
Grant
Residency Grant, Alaska State Council on the Arts & NEA, Alaska, United States, 2024-2025
Graduate School Travel Grant, Kansas State University, United States, Fall 2025
Art and Science Travel and Research Grant, Kansas State University, United States, Summer 2025
Graduate School Travel Grant, Kansas State University, United States, Fall 2024
Art and Science Travel and Research Grant, Kansas State University, United States, Fall 2024
College of Design Research & Travel Grant, Iowa State University, United States, Spring 2023
Graduate Travel and Research Grant, College of Design, Iowa State University, United States, Fall 2023
Tuition Waiver & Graduate Study Grant, Tehran Shariaty Technical College of Art, Tehran, Iran, 2011-2014
Residency
Bunnell Art Center, Kachemak Bay Campus, Alaska, funded by Alaska State Council on the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts, December 2024- United States, January 2025
Tallgrass Artist Residency, Kansas Arts Commission, The Bank Art Space, Matfield Green, KS, United States, Summer 2026
Workshops Conducted
Presented two printmaking workshops at Kachemak Bay College, Homer, Alaska, United States, January 2025
Workshops Attended
Reimagine the Process: Photography Workflow Made Simple [P1229-25] with Joe Lavine, Anderson Ranch Center, Snowmass Village, Colorado, United States, August 18 - 22, 2025.
Printmaking Workshops at MAPC Conference, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas State, United States, Fall 2024
Photography in Iran: Documenting Memory and Change, Rasht, Iran, 2022
Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, Online, Iran, Tehran, 2020
Visual Storytelling & Documentary Photography, Lahijan, Iran, 2020
Book & Magazine Cover Design: Designed and illustrated covers for independent publications, collaborating with local writers and editors. Tehran, Iran, 2019
Documentary Photography Masterclass, Online, Tehran, Iran, 2019
Letter Design Workshop: Created custom typographic designs exploring Persian calligraphy and contemporary visual forms. Lahijan, Iran, 2017
Book & Magazine Layout Design: Designed editorial layouts for cultural and art magazines, focusing on readability and visual balance. Tehran, Iran, 2016
Advertisement Design: Developed print and digital advertising materials for small businesses and community events. Lahijan, Iran, 2015
Poster Design: Designed conceptual posters for cultural programs and student exhibitions. Qazvin, Iran, 2014
Photography Training Certificate: Completed formal coursework in photography, focusing on composition, lighting, and visual storytelling. Tehran, Iran, 2013
Research Presented
Presenter, Research Poster Presentation, Kansas State University, Fall 2024 – Certificate received
Presenter, Research Poster Presentation, Kansas State University, Fall 2025 – Certificate received
Solo Exhibition
Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States 2023
Poster Exhibition on Domestic Violence, Shariaty Technical College, Tehran, Iran, 2018
Presented posters raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting social change.
Social Justice Poster Exhibition, Qazvin, Iran, 2017
Created visual works highlighting social justice issues in the local community.
Documentary Exhibition: Hands of Resilience, Qazvin, Iran, 2016
Showcased a series of photographs documenting the strength and perseverance of local women and men.
Photography Exhibition, Hands of Resilience, Tehran, Iran, 2015
Presented a curated collection of photographs exploring social justice and the emotional connections between people and the spaces., Teran, Iran, 2012
Group Juried Exhibition
2026
"Weaving Knowledge across Modes and Generations" juried exhibition, Keller Collective Gallery, The Pennsylvania State University, Keller Building, University Park, PA, United States
14th International SPE Combined Caucus Juried Exhibition, SCAD/ATL Gallery, Atlanta, GA, United States
The Positive/Negative 41 National Juried Art Exhibition, Juror, Dr. Brittany Webb, Juror, Dr. Brittany Webb, curator at Museum of Fine Arts Houston, one of the 41 featured artists selected among 112 artists nationwide, Slocumb Galleries, TN, United States
18th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Cohen Gallery, April 30 - July 12, 2026, PA, United States
TTLC, Through the Lens Collective, it's been a year Online exhibition, South Africa
‘WORDS’ juried exhibition, Yonkers Arts Project Space, from Thursday, February 12th, 2026, to Saturday, March 21st, 2026, Yonkers, NY, United States
International Juried Photography Exhibition, Landscapes, Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis, 2026, United States
International Juried Photography Exhibition, The Abstract Image, Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis, 2026, United States
Deflate: Failures, Flops & Silver Linings, Studio & Design Center at the University of Arkansas School of Art, February 2026, United States
2025
Decagon Gallery, New York – Sanctuary, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, United States
Decagon Gallery, New York – Forgotten Architecture, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, United States
Griffin Museum of Photography – Gathering Place: Layered Histories, Online Juried Exhibition (Selected Artist, 2025)
Decagon Gallery, New York – PLANET EARTH, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, United States
SPE Members Juried Remix Exhibition at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. United States
Contingent Faculty Caucus Member Exhibition in the Society of Photographic Education, Juror: Sherri Nienass Littlefield, United States. Visit the exhibition: https://www.spenational.org/2025-contingent-faculty-exhibition
Bigger and Better exhibition at the SPE South Central Conference, juried by Diane Durant, IPE Building at Tarleton State University in Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Decagon Gallery, New York – Botanicals_Flora of the World, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, Juror: Lee Anne White, United States
Midwest SPE Juried Student Exhibition, October 2025, at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit during the Midwest SPE Conference, Scarab Club, Detroit, MI, Juror Kat Goffnett, United States
Decagon Gallery, New York – PLACES AND SPACES, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, Juror: Matthew Christopher, United States
47th Harper College National Juried Exhibition, Harper Art Collection, Martha Bell Gallery, Palatine, IL, United States
Hoorchehr Stodio Photography Group Exhibition, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
Decagon Gallery, New York – INTERIORS – SPACES THAT DEFINE OUR LIVES, Online Photo Juried Exhibition, Juror: Jennifer Schlesinger, United States
17th Annual National Juried Art Exhibition, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, PA, United States, May 15 – July 20
Society of Photographic Education Members Exhibition, Sierra Arts, Reno, Nevada, Juror: C. Rose Smith (Assistant Curator of Photography, Brooks Museum of Art), United States, March 3–26
Group Exhibition, Manhattan Art Center, Kansas State University, KS, United States, February
The Positive/Negative 40 National Juried Art Exhibition, Juror Nandini Makrandi, Chief Curator at Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, at the ETSU Slocumb Galleries, TN, United States – selected 40 artists among 124 nationwide,
2024
MAPC Conference, Group Exhibition, Printmaking, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
Online Group Exhibition, Red Bluff Art Gallery – Vibrant Landscape (Vivid), United States
Des Moines Art Center, Mainframe Studios, Group Juried Exhibition, Des Moines, Iowa, United States
2023
"Word & Picture" – Center for Fine Art Photography, Online Group Exhibition, Director: Hamidah Glasgow, United States
Group Exhibition, Photography/Mixed Media/Printmaking, Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames, IA, United States
Iowa State University, Gallery 181, Group Exhibition, Photography/Mixed Media, Ames, IA, United States
Iowa State University, Gallery 181, Group Exhibition, Photography/Printmaking/ mixed Media, Ames, IA, United States
2011-2020
Student Graphic Design Exhibition, Mir Emad Institute of Art, Qazvin, Iran, 2020
Graphic & Photography Group Exhibition, Qazvin Art Salon, Qazvin, Iran, 2020
Creative Graphic Design Showcase, Qazvin Cultural Hall, Qazvin, Iran, 2019
National Student Photography & Design Exhibition, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran, 2018
Poster & Social Art Group Exhibition, Qazvin Ineptitude of Art, Qazvin, Iran, 2017
Qazvin Mir Emad Institute of Art, Group Exhibition, Photography, Sculpture/Mixed Media/Poster/Printmaking, Qazvin,
Iran, 2017
Student Graphic Design & Photography Exhibition, Tehran Shariaty Technical College of Art Gallery, Tehran, Iran, 2015
Poster Group Exhibition, Qazvin Technical & Vocational University, Qazvin, Iran, 2014
Qazvin Mir Emad Institute of Art, Group Member Exhibition, Calligraphy/Poster Design, Qazvin, Iran, 2014
Art Museum, Group Photography Exhibition, Tehran, Iran, 2013
Tehran Shariati Governmental University, Group Poster Design Exhibition, Tehran, Iran, 2012
Tehran Shariati Governmental University, Group Photography, Exhibition, Soul, Tehran, Iran, 2012
Tehran Shariati Governmental University, Graphic Design Group Exhibition, Tehran, Iran, 2011
Tehran Shariati Governmental University, Group Poster and Logo Design Exhibition, Tehran, Iran, 2011
Curator, Juror, Reviewer
Early Expressions Art Program, juror, Manhattan, KS, United States, December 2025
Juror, 50th Annual Student Photography Contest, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States, 2025
Interviews, Press, Features
Conversations About Walls | Conversaciones Sobre Muros | Gespräche über Wände, Collaborative Zine Project with Scotty and Espacio Unión (2025, Contributor)
Artdose Magazine, Sheboygan, WI, United States, 2025
Bold Journey, For Women, Culver City, CA, United States, 2025
Shoutout LA, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 2025
Suboart Magazine, Nr. 44 – Featured 28 artists from 15 countries, Lisbon, Portugal, 2025
Interview, Homer News (Newspaper), Homer, Alaska, United States, 2025
Mistake House Magazine, Elsah, Illinois, United States, 2025
Smithsonian Magazine, 22nd Photo Contest, United States, 2025
Mistake House Magazine, Elsah, Illinois, United States, 2024
Professional Membership, 2023–Present
Society for Photographic Education (SPE), United States
Center for Photographic Art, United States
Griffin Museum of Photography, United States
Previous Workshops & Training
Book & Magazine Cover Design Workshop, Tehran, Iran, 2019
Corel Design Workshop, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran, 2017
Book & Magazine Layout Workshop, Tehran, Iran, 2016
Advertisement Design Workshop, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran, 2015
Poster Design Workshop, Qazvin, Iran, 2014
Photography Certificate Program, Tehran, Iran, 2013
Adobe Photoshop Workshop, Tehran, Iran, 2012
Illustration & Digital Art Workshop, Tehran, Iran, 2011
Professional Service / Volunteer Experience
Art & Science Ambassador, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States, Fall 2024-Present
Serve as Chapter Liaison, Society for Photographic Education, United States, 2025-Present
Member, SPE Contingent Faculty Caucus, Society for Photographic Education, United States, 2024-Present
