“A cultural worker of the highest order, Niloufar does the bravest work, transforming not only the society from which she comes, but help change the society in which she lives.”
“Ms. Talebi endowed these philosophical concepts with human characteristics...[in] elegant texts woven into four scenes featuring solo live voice.”
“Brilliant writers can have brilliant debuts. Elegiac and deep diving into the mind of a genius existentialist, Niloufar Talebi’s memoir, Self-Portrait in Bloom, is reminiscent of Sebald. This original work feels true to continuous life and disjointed memory. A compelling book by a true writer.”
“...A celebration of the recreative power of memory and language, from the girl standing in front of her blue bedroom window watching snow, to the many lessons of silence — Talebi’s ‘animal with two faces.’ Self-Portrait in Bloom is a book of longing, haunted by history.”
“A passionate defense of the crucial role translation plays in connecting the world, Self-Portrait in Bloom also tells the story of Niloufar Talebi’s courage in overcoming profound obstacles to bring her expert translations of world-class Iranian poet, Ahmad Shamlou, to new readers. A brave and remarkable feat.”
“...brilliant, transparent translations of Shamlou’s works...soar with poetic subtlety.”
“Poetry is a world art because of brilliant translators like Niloufar.”
— Martín Espada
“Niloufar Talebi’s accomplishment in gathering the poetry of the Iranian diaspora is unprecedented and breathtaking. It is as if she has, by force of commitment and vision, and by way of cultural hunger, bequeathed a new literary heritage to Iran and the world. Here is a lyric symphony of utterance in the voices of exiles, immigrants, refugees, and expatriates. That Talebi assembled such an extraordinary collection is impressive enough—that she translated most of these poems herself is nothing short of remarkable.”
“Niloufar Talebi has accomplished the ultimate magic trick in her clean and modern translation. She has made the work of modern Persian poets read like original English...an unparalleled contribution.”
“Niloufar Talebi is a master instructor and multidisciplinary artist. I am filled with new guidance, and inspiration. She is professional, punctual, warm, and thoughtful. Her feedback is constructive and leaves you ready to take the next step. She is exceptionally talented at elevating writers. ”
“Niloufar Talebi was absolutely brilliant. She guided us through the topics in such a graceful and beautiful way, creating a safe space to learn and explore ideas and thinking. Please make this course longer! ”
“Niloufar Talebi is a gem, so generous, funny, inspiring. She encouraged us to continue to write, to explore our own themes and stories, and offered great advice on how to do so. She was punctual and so conscious of our time. ”
Niloufar performing The Persian Rite of Spring, credit: Afshin Javadi video 2010
“The oldest art form, storytelling, is on dazzling display in Niloufar Talebi’s electrifying and multidisciplinary wisdom. Niloufar masterfully captures the essence of ancient rituals and myths while infusing them with a thoroughly modern sensibility. The result, The Persian Rite of Spring, is a theatrical performance for all ages that will awaken even the most slumbering soul into a new beginning!”
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