Ten years ago, Sydney-based artist HOSSEI took a step back from the art world to care for his sick mother. The more time they spent together, the more inspired HOSSEI became to create something especially for, about, and starring his mum.

HOSSEI is an artist with a flair for colour, quirk and unbridled joy.

But growing up the only son of a Persian-Australian family, it took years of hard work to convince his parents that being an artist was his destiny.

HOSSEI's mother, Nahid, came around first, getting her sewing machine out to help her son make his incredible costumes.

Then, it was HOSSEI's turn to support his mum, who needed a carer as her health deteriorated.

As they spent more and more time together, HOSSEI was inspired to write a musical for, about and starring his cheeky, charismatic mother.

The project is personal, but also has a political edge -- women in Iran aren't allowed to freely sing, dance or play music -- and so HOSSEI put his mother centre stage.

Further information

Recently, HOSSEI was commissioned by Parramatta Artist Studios to update their uniform in connection with Wear it Purple Day.

He has also been commissioned by the Sydney Opera House to develop a play space for the Centre for Creativity, which will be presented in January 2026.

HOSSEI is currently touring his show ESSSENSSSE through regional NSW, at Bathurst Regional Gallery, Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour and later to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

You can keep up to date with HOSSEI's exhibitions and news at his Instagram page.

This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris and presented by Richard Fidler, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.

It explores visual arts, performing arts, becoming an artist, how to be an artist, carers, caring for parents, the sandwich generation, Persia, Iran, womens rights, feminism, musical theatre, experimental art, Western Sydney, Sydney College of the Arts, university, TAFE, tertiary education, what to do after high school, graduation, Istanbul, migration, war, escape, family dynamics, sisters, kidnapping.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Why I wrote a musical for my cheeky, charismatic, Persian mum

Conversations

Why I wrote a musical for my cheeky, charismatic, Persian mum