Shaghayegh (Amapola) Balandari

Shaghayegh (Amapola) Balandari is a visual artist and entrepreneur, founder of the Artbaal brand in Iran, specialising in visual arts and art therapy. Her interest in painting began at the age of four, when she attended drawing classes and participated in numerous competitions. Although her early academic path developed in other fields—studying mathematics in high school and hardware in college—she later chose to combine her creative interests with her technical skills.

Following this decision, she launched and presented several startups aimed at advancing creativity and innovation. It was through this process that she introduced the concept of healing through art, giving rise to the Artbaal brand. She has conducted training programmes on the use of art for children, adults, and seniors, with particularly strong results in the field of Alzheimer’s prevention through artistic practice.

She participates annually in exhibitions across different countries and embassies, and believes in artistic exchange as a way to expand collective intelligence worldwide. Her work is guided by the conviction that art can serve as a tool for peace, cultural dialogue, and global connection.

Her education includes an Art MBA, studies in Healing with Art from the University of Florida, art therapy training from the Canadian Institute of Art Therapy, general psychology, English courses in Cape Town and Dubai, and technical training in hardware at Khwarazmi.

Shaghayegh (Amapola) Balandari is in residence at Can Serrat in January 2026.