Athena Akhavan was born in Tehran in 1984. She graduated from Tehran’s Azad University in Industrial design. She is a member of the ISA (Iranian Sculpture Association) and the winner of the 4th Fajr sculpture International Festival of Iran (2012). She has participated in more than ten solo and group exhibitions and festivals in the field of sculptures and wearable sculptures (jewellery design), locally and internationally, since 2007.
In 2007, she held the first-ever solo jewelry exhibition made of recycled paper and scraps of fabric, leather, and metals at Samin Gallery in Tehran.
During the past decade, she has continued this art under the guidance of Parviz Tanavoli, a mastermind in the field of wearable sculpture.

Wearable sculptures

Jewellery as a wearable sculpture is a new movement that helps to modernize sculpture and jewellery design. Despite the importance of the model’s utility, its appearance would be valued over its utility, and beauty over comfort in this art.
Having the models and sculptures scaled down and hanging on the neck and hands allows us to carry them wherever we go.
The viewer’s visual interest gradually leads to the red lines being crossed over. The sculptures also encourage the viewer to wear the sculptures despite their discomfort in the mind.
What makes these art pieces different is the use of bronze and papier-mâché (paper) to make jewelry. For the art pieces, it is the material of the first choice regardless of their affordability.
There is a need to emphasize that the value of these this jewellery is not calculated by the materials used in making them but by their unique nature and special image. These qualities would lead to a one-of-a-kind appearance in at any gathering, enhance fashion taste and help to step on in the same path as their creator. These works are produced in limited numbers. All the works have been certified with signed certificates.
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This is our Route and our main Goal

The brand of ATHENVAN has started its activities by relying on sustainable and environmentally friendly designs, using materials such as bronze and recycled and upcycle paper and fabric.
All the stages of the work are done in a complete manual hand-making and self-educated manner.
The works are often designed and manufactured in limited numbers with the use of natural materials.
They are inspired by Iranian rituals, myths and ornaments, alongside numerous colors and patterns that have been a big part of Iran’s thousands of years old culture and history

The slogan we live by is:

Our works are to be gifted to the land, with the wish for its happiness, and a spell to keep everyone happy