Ariane Hafizi

Natalia Ariane Hafizi-Marianovich, born on July 9, 1981, in Boulder, Colorado (USA), was a woman of multifaceted talents and profound spiritual depth. She was the cherished daughter of Bahman Hafizi, an Iranian physicist, and Carmen Marianovich, a software engineer of Uruguayan descent with roots in Galicia and Croatia. In 1986, the family relocated to the serene Washington suburb of Bethesda, where Ariane's journey of self-discovery would begin to unfold.

Ariane's path diverged from the conventional early on. After graduating high school in 1999, she embarked on a quest for artistic expression, finding her muse in the vibrant streets of New York City. Enrolling at the renowned Parsons School of Design, she immersed herself in the world of art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2004. Amidst the eclectic neighborhoods of Manhattan's Lower East Side and Brooklyn, Ariane honed her skills not only as a painter but also as a graphic and web designer, blending her creative passions seamlessly.

Yet, Ariane's pursuits transcended the realms of artistry. With a holistic perspective on life, she delved into the practices of bodytalk and reiki, fostering healing and balance within herself and others. Her days were punctuated with yoga, meditation, outdoor adventures, and the solace of swimming, each endeavor a testament to her profound connection with the universe.

In 2011, Ariane confronted her mortality when cancer manifested in her breast, prompting a return to the nurturing embrace of her childhood home in Bethesda. Despite the relentless onslaught of illness, she persevered, assuming the helm of Icarus Research, Inc. from her father and continuing her creative pursuits amidst moments of introspection and tranquility. In the embrace of her family and the serenity of her surroundings, Ariane discovered a profound sense of self, transcending mere existence to embody a state of sublime harmony.

Her artistic evolution mirrored her inner journey, as Ariane's communion with nature deepened with each passing day. Immersed in meditative strolls through the wooded enclaves with her mother, she found solace and inspiration in the raw beauty of the natural world. Her paintings became conduits of this profound connection, capturing the essence of her symbiotic relationship with the earth.

Despite her valiant battles, the insidious grip of cancer ultimately claimed Ariane's physical form on January 16, 2015. Yet, her legacy endures through the timeless beauty of her art, a poignant testament to her enduring spirit and unwavering resilience.

Since 2018, Ariane's transcendent works have graced galleries across continents, from the sun-kissed shores of Punta del Este, Uruguay, to the cultural epicenter of Madrid, Spain, and the corridors of Washington DC. Each exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of Ariane's indomitable spirit and her enduring legacy as a beacon of artistic brilliance and spiritual insight.