Love is Survival from the collection of TAG Gallery

Love is Survival

Ink on paper

14 x 11 x 1 in (35.56 x 27.94 x 2.54 cm)

$300

Available

I once encountered a possum who had been accidentally trapped in a cage meant for a raccoon. Before help arrived to release her, I returned and witnessed something unforgettable. She emptied her pouch and began feeding the five tiny babies she had been secretly carrying inside the cage.
It was a painful moment to witness—her fierce love for her children, the bruise on her nose, her pleading eyes asking us to leave her alone in that confinement. She was terrified, yet completely devoted.
Of course, she was set free. I wished her well.
In that moment, I understood something deeply: I am a mother before anything else—not an intruder to nature, but a part of it.

— from the Clown & Mushroom collection

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From TAG Gallery

David Lang

Siblings

Oil on Canvas

24 x 20 x 1 in (60.96 x 50.8 x 2.54 cm)

$850
Susan Dukow

After the Rains

Acrylic on Bamboo Paper

22 x 16 in (55.88 x 40.64 cm)

$1,500
Wendy Tigerman

Brownies

Edition 1 of 3

12 x 12 in (30.48 x 30.48 cm)

$395
David Stewart Klein

Remembering the Flame

Guache and ink on canvas

7.75 x 5.75 in (19.69 x 14.61 cm)

$3,400
Rasoul Fadavi

Disegno No. 25

Charcoal on paper

18 x 22 in (45.72 x 55.88 cm)

$950
Rasoul Fadavi

The Rise of Empire

Oil on canvas

60 x 48 x 1.5 in (152.4 x 121.92 x 3.81 cm)

$14,400
Laura Falkowski

Songbird

Collage

16 x 12 in (40.64 x 30.48 cm)

$600
Katy Bishop

STUDY IN COPPER

Alcohol Ink on canvas and paper

12 x 12 x 1 in (30.48 x 30.48 x 2.54 cm)

$575

View All Artworks

About the artist

Somaya Etemad

Iranian American

b. 1983

Somaya Etemad is a Los Angeles-based architect and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges whimsy, resilience, and storytelling. She is captivated by the theme of growth in darkness, often incorporating mushrooms into her art as symbols of resilience and thriving in adverse conditions. This theme draws from her personal experiences of overcoming challenges, as well as her fascination with the unseen worlds that emerge in unexpected places.

Through her work, Somaya invites viewers into imaginative, built whimsical spaces that balance mystery and transformation. Her practice is deeply rooted in creating pieces that evoke introspection, wonder, and a sense of hope—reminding us of our ability to rebuild and thrive.

Her art has been featured in numerous group shows, art fairs, and international exhibitions. Most recently, she was selected to represent “The USA Exhibition” in the 24th JAPAN International X-Change Show, showcasing her unique perspective to a global audience.

Additional Details

Additional Artworks

Siblings

After the Rains

Brownies

Remembering the Flame

Disegno No. 25

The Rise of Empire

Songbird

STUDY IN COPPER

About the artist

Somaya Etemad