“I often try to cross the digital with artisanal presence”

On 8 May 2023 Grafikens Hus visited Parasto Backman´s studio, who is a graphic designer and senior lecturer in graphic design at Konstfack. Studio Parasto Backman, established in 2010, is located in central Stockholm and is, to say the least, an inviting, colorful and an incredibly welcoming environment with its great creative framing and warmth, which also mirrors Parasto´s personality and graphical signature style. Parasto Backman´s work is characterized by both self-initiated projects as well as assigned ones, which are spread across different fields but are for the most part within the cultural sector – with focus and emphasis on telling those stories that are seldom, or never, given room to be told.

Written by: Nilo Amlashi

What does printmaking mean to you and your practice?

I am in constant dialogue with my craft and renegotiate and try new things. Printmaking (especially screen printing) is a recurring feature and a contrast to the digital. I often try to cross the digital with artisanal presence in one way or another, the combination is interesting – but it is not always that easy to get access to graphical workshops.

Which printing techniques do you mostly work with and why?

As I mentioned earlier, I mainly work with screen print. I started working with it during my studies at Beckmans and fell in love with the technique. I really like working hands-on with color, but in recent years I have started working along screen printing shops. As opposed to other printing techniques, like for example offset print, one can in screen print use a greater amount of color which gives it a deeper and more enriching expression. I also enjoy the tactile part of it, and that it does not turn out “perfect”. Like the craft sort of becomes present. The technique has also some limitations to it, which is something I appreciate as it makes me want to push the boundaries. With this said I am of course also eager to explore other printing methods!

In your own words, what signifies your graphical expression?

Oh, that is a hard one! I would like to believe that my graphical expression is based on a combination of many different things. I often come back to the digging into what has been, to then take that further into a current and future context. As I am working in Sweden but have roots in Iran, my expression is influenced by a complexity, a broad spectrum of referential points and a multifaceted palette.