Soleimani is a second-generation refugee from Iran. Her parents were political dissidents and pro-democracy activists forced to leave the country for fears of their safety after the deposition of the Shah. Her work, which comprises sculpture, performance, film and photography, normally explores intersections of art and activism and comments on the power dynamics between the Middle East and the West and particularly human rights issues. Soleimani is also a federally licensed migratory bird rehabilitator, a practice she inherited from her mother who, a trained nurse in Iran, was not allowed to practice as one in the USA, so became a nurse to birds. Soleimani’s work is varied and explores multiple media often combining them in one work. In light of the political situation in both the Middle East and the US her work is strongly relevant to the present