Mina Moshajjari’s captivating piece, Nature’s Response, will be featured on the cover of the Office’s 2024 holiday cards, inspiring recipients with its unique take on innovation.
Chosen for its blend of creativity and depth, the piece captured the jury’s attention, noting that “the winning piece stood out for its ability to capture the spirit of innovation in a way that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking.”
Innovation beneath the surface: the iceberg metaphor
The winning artwork is a surreal depiction of an iceberg, symbolizing the unseen efforts that underpin visible achievements. Moshajjari notes that “if we consider innovation as the outcome of a collection of hidden factors that lead to a visible, innovative result, we understand its similarity to an iceberg.”
For Mina, this recognition is more than an accolade: it represents a bridge between her academic pursuits and her artistic journey. “My master’s thesis focused on the connection between art and research, and this opportunity feels like bringing that theoretical work into practice. It’s a chance to share how art and research can be intertwined, something I’ve always been passionate about and explored academically,” she said.
“It’s a chance to share how art and research can be intertwined, something I’ve always been passionate about and explored academically.”
Mina Moshajjari
— Student in the uOttawa Master of Fine Arts program
From recognition to aspiration and inspiration
If Moshajjari could choose a dream exhibition, it would be at events that foster dialogue between art, science, and environmental advocacy, such as the We Are Nature 2024 festival. She would like her work to help inspire connections between humanity and the natural world.
With her cash prize, Moshajjari plans to invest in her art by purchasing supplies and tools, and embark on a trip to Newfoundland to see icebergs firsthand—an experience she hopes will inform future projects.
The OVPRI Holiday Greeting Card Contest continues to showcase exceptional talent within the uOttawa community, celebrating creativity and innovation.
