Mahsa Salali is an Iranian multidisciplinary performance artist, contemporary pianist, sound artist, activist and curator based in South East London. They completed her Bachelor's degree (BMus) in Piano Performance from Goldsmiths University of London and MA in Performance and Education from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance; where they specialised in performance art and contemporary piano practice. Their current practice focuses on combining long durational bodily performance art, experimental music and installations.
Mahsa's current research and work focuses on the gender binary and body, the notion of modesty and misogyny in different cultures. Born and raised in Iran and immigrated to the UK at the age of 18. In Iran after the 1977 Islamic Revolution, women have to wear a compulsory hijab from the age of five. This has had a big influence on Mahsa's artistic-work; on how women are presented in a society and the constraints which weigh on them through traditional cultural or religious practices; whether via bodily autonomy, behavioural or dress code.
In September 2023 Mahsa completed the Cleaning the House workshop by Marina Abramović where artists participate in various workshop and activity mastering the method of long durational performance art practice. After completing the workshop, Mahsa participated in Abramović's solo exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts working closely with Abramović and her team and performing the artist's selected works.
Mahsa has a great interest for activism through Street Art Performances. She has showcased her work in a long durational street performance-art-protest such as My Walk, Jina & Ana Mendieta.