Influenced by an eclectic group of mediums, Niku Kashef does not adhere to one style, but uses diverse techniques to visually communicate ideas. Her work is influenced by the nomadic lifestyle of her childhood and the many inquiries of growing-up and growing-into our personal and collective identity in the human family. Her ultimate objective is to allow the viewer to relate to the common human experiences and create a dialogue of empathy rather than judgment.

In the decade after receiving her BA, Niku has worked as a photographer, director and writer. Returning to pursue her MFA at CSUN has allowed her to work with a wonderful group of artists and educators, furthering her knowledge and broadening the world from which she draws inspiration.

Some of Niku's current projects shown here include Women's Work, a series of portraits of women that work in both typically male-dominated circles as well as those women embracing historically accepted gender roles; Frames of Reference, a photographic and documentary project, looks at the differences and similarities of how people define themselves through personal relationships; and Disappearing Cultures, documents places and peoples evanescing and changing through acculturation and instant devastation from man-made and natural disasters.

For many years, Niku has also been involved in the community, teaching at primary levels and currently at the university level. Her work was recently shown in the Monterey Museum of Art, and has been published in Direct Art Magazine, Variety and Video Business Magazine.