AMBIVALENCE |
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AMBIVALENCE-MADISON-WISCONSIN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023-2024
As an Iranian woman who has always been a witness and victim of discrimination and restriction in her country and has recently immigrated to the U.S., I am in a state of extreme emotional and identity ambivalence. The very first weekend when I went to State Street in Madison, the idea of this project emerged in my mind. It was as if everything was becoming a déjà vu for me, as if I had been in this street before, a series of things were repeating but with huge differences. I am again in a public place where teenagers and even adults gather on the weekends; they go the clubs and bars; they get drunk; they dance; they dress as they want; and they are happy. However, they are not at risk for any of these basic pleasures and hopefully there is no need for them to be worried about anything. Every time I even see the police in this street next to people, they didn’t come to spoil their happiness, they are just there to make sure everything is fine. These days my artistic endeavor is centered on capturing the essence of America through the distinctive lens of an immigrant. Within this creative exploration, my primary objective is to meticulously record scenes that, though evoking a sense of novelty, peculiarity, and even astonishment in my personal experience, seamlessly blend into the tapestry of everyday life for the broader community. Although all these streets, scenes, events, and people have been photographed too many times, it could be the first time that they are photographed through the lens of a person who is alien to all of them. I have decided to expand my research to other public places in the U.S. which are crowded and have the same potentials as State Street in Madison. Public places which are mainly quiet during the day and come alive at night and are full of bars, clubs, outdoor concerts, festivals, and public events.
As an Iranian woman who has always been a witness and victim of discrimination and restriction in her country and has recently immigrated to the U.S., I am in a state of extreme emotional and identity ambivalence. The very first weekend when I went to State Street in Madison, the idea of this project emerged in my mind. It was as if everything was becoming a déjà vu for me, as if I had been in this street before, a series of things were repeating but with huge differences. I am again in a public place where teenagers and even adults gather on the weekends; they go the clubs and bars; they get drunk; they dance; they dress as they want; and they are happy. However, they are not at risk for any of these basic pleasures and hopefully there is no need for them to be worried about anything. Every time I even see the police in this street next to people, they didn’t come to spoil their happiness, they are just there to make sure everything is fine. These days my artistic endeavor is centered on capturing the essence of America through the distinctive lens of an immigrant. Within this creative exploration, my primary objective is to meticulously record scenes that, though evoking a sense of novelty, peculiarity, and even astonishment in my personal experience, seamlessly blend into the tapestry of everyday life for the broader community. Although all these streets, scenes, events, and people have been photographed too many times, it could be the first time that they are photographed through the lens of a person who is alien to all of them. I have decided to expand my research to other public places in the U.S. which are crowded and have the same potentials as State Street in Madison. Public places which are mainly quiet during the day and come alive at night and are full of bars, clubs, outdoor concerts, festivals, and public events.
IN-BETWEEN |
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IN - BETWEEN-MADISON-WISCONSIN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
I found myself in a role of passive observer, untouched by direct involvement. Despite the freedom to adopt any appearance or persona, I consciously chose authenticity, opting to embrace my own identity—the outsider.
I found myself in a role of passive observer, untouched by direct involvement. Despite the freedom to adopt any appearance or persona, I consciously chose authenticity, opting to embrace my own identity—the outsider.
CITY B
CITY B-TEHRAN-TEHRAN-IRAN-2019
At first glance, everything may seem normal to a spectator, but in reality, what is depicted is a huge paradox and against the Islamic Republic’s laws
In Iran, women face restrictions on venturing outdoors without adhering to the mandatory Hijab, wearing short sleeves, or skirts. Their participation in stadium events to support their favorite teams is also prohibited. Both men and women lack the freedom to openly discuss their sexual orientation due to the imminent threats of arrest and potential harm, not only from law enforcement but also from their own families. Expressions of individuality through unique hairstyles, hair colors, and clothing choices are deemed unacceptable for both genders. Despite these constraints, a group of teenagers in "City B" convenes weekly at a public space known as Butterfly Parking, driven by the pursuit of freedom. Despite the awareness of potential risks and police intervention, they embrace the opportunity to revel in self-expression for a few precious hours. During these clandestine gatherings, participants dress and groom themselves according to their preferences, engaging in activities such as rapping and dancing as they seek to enjoy and express their suppressed sexual orientation. Even seemingly innocent pleasures are forbidden, carrying inherent risks.
At first glance, everything may seem normal to a spectator, but in reality, what is depicted is a huge paradox and against the Islamic Republic’s laws
In Iran, women face restrictions on venturing outdoors without adhering to the mandatory Hijab, wearing short sleeves, or skirts. Their participation in stadium events to support their favorite teams is also prohibited. Both men and women lack the freedom to openly discuss their sexual orientation due to the imminent threats of arrest and potential harm, not only from law enforcement but also from their own families. Expressions of individuality through unique hairstyles, hair colors, and clothing choices are deemed unacceptable for both genders. Despite these constraints, a group of teenagers in "City B" convenes weekly at a public space known as Butterfly Parking, driven by the pursuit of freedom. Despite the awareness of potential risks and police intervention, they embrace the opportunity to revel in self-expression for a few precious hours. During these clandestine gatherings, participants dress and groom themselves according to their preferences, engaging in activities such as rapping and dancing as they seek to enjoy and express their suppressed sexual orientation. Even seemingly innocent pleasures are forbidden, carrying inherent risks.
Dream?
Dream?-CAMP RANDAL-MADISON-WISCONSIN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
According to the laws of the Islamic Republic, women are prohibited from attending sports stadiums in Iran. They cannot closely watch and cheer for their favorite teams. At times, women attempt to enter stadiums by dressing in men's clothing and disguising their faces and bodies. However, in most instances, they are identified during body searches as they try to illegally enter the stadium, leading to their arrest and imprisonment. Attending a sports stadium was one of the first experiences I wanted to have after arriving in America. My initial presence was accompanied by a mix of excitement, anxiety, and anger. It marked the pursuit of the simplest joy that has been denied to me and Iranian women throughout our lives.
FROME THE RIVER TO THE SEA-CHICAGO
FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA-CHICAGO-ILLINOIS-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA- MADISON
FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA-MADISON-WISCONSIN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
UTOPIA
UTOPIA-ARANBIDGOL LAKE-ISFAHAN-IRAN-2019
Utopia typically describes an imaginary society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its citizens. Living in a place that is far from this definition, you are always in search of this ideal, in any time and location. I am a recent immigrant woman from Iran, who in my own country was always looking for a way to build this ideal society, even on a very small scale, even within the family. A place free of inequality, demarcation and discrimination. Where everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and political affiliation have equality and fair rights. This work was photographed in Iran where my eyes could see unlimitedly, if only through the camera. Through the photographs of Iran’s reality, I am able to create for myself, a visual utopia. A freedom that my soul needs.
Utopia typically describes an imaginary society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its citizens. Living in a place that is far from this definition, you are always in search of this ideal, in any time and location. I am a recent immigrant woman from Iran, who in my own country was always looking for a way to build this ideal society, even on a very small scale, even within the family. A place free of inequality, demarcation and discrimination. Where everyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and political affiliation have equality and fair rights. This work was photographed in Iran where my eyes could see unlimitedly, if only through the camera. Through the photographs of Iran’s reality, I am able to create for myself, a visual utopia. A freedom that my soul needs.
THE WANDERER
THE WANDERER-ART LOFTS MAIN GALLERY-MADISON-WISCONSIN0UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
ARCHIVAL PIGMENT PRINT
ADHESIVE WALLPAPER
NON-PARALLEL WORDLS OF AN IRANIAN IMMIGRANT IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS IN THE U.S.
AS AN IRANIAN WOMAN WHO HAS PERSONALLY WITNESSED AND EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION AND LIMITATION IN MY COUNTRY ABD RECENTLY IMMIGRATED TO THE U.S. I FIND MYSELF IN A STATE OF EMOTIONAL AND IDENTITY AMBIVALENCE. THE PAS THREE MONTHS IN THE U.S. HAS LEFT ME SUSPENDED BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS AND LIVES. ON THE ONE HAND MY DAILY ROUTINE INVOLVES CHECKING INSTAGRAM, WHERE I FACE POSTS AND STORIES ABOUT EXISTING INCIDENTS IN IRAN. THESE EVENTS CONSUME MY DAY, AND I FINISH IT BY ENSURING I HAVE NOT MISSED ANY UPDATES. ON THE OTHER HAND, MY LIFE IN THE U.S. EXPOSES ME TO SCENES THAT ARE UNFAMILIAR, NEW, AND STRANGE – SCENES SEEM NORMAL TO OTHERS, SUCH AS LONG LINES OF TEENAGERS OUTSIDE BARS AND GIRLS FREELY EXPRESSING THEMSELVES THROUGH THEIR CLOTHING AND DANCE IN THE STREETS. IN MY HOMELAND, ENGAGING IN THESE ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC COULD LEAD TO RIGOROUS CONSEQUENCES, EVEN DEATH.
ARCHIVAL PIGMENT PRINT
ADHESIVE WALLPAPER
NON-PARALLEL WORDLS OF AN IRANIAN IMMIGRANT IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS IN THE U.S.
AS AN IRANIAN WOMAN WHO HAS PERSONALLY WITNESSED AND EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION AND LIMITATION IN MY COUNTRY ABD RECENTLY IMMIGRATED TO THE U.S. I FIND MYSELF IN A STATE OF EMOTIONAL AND IDENTITY AMBIVALENCE. THE PAS THREE MONTHS IN THE U.S. HAS LEFT ME SUSPENDED BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS AND LIVES. ON THE ONE HAND MY DAILY ROUTINE INVOLVES CHECKING INSTAGRAM, WHERE I FACE POSTS AND STORIES ABOUT EXISTING INCIDENTS IN IRAN. THESE EVENTS CONSUME MY DAY, AND I FINISH IT BY ENSURING I HAVE NOT MISSED ANY UPDATES. ON THE OTHER HAND, MY LIFE IN THE U.S. EXPOSES ME TO SCENES THAT ARE UNFAMILIAR, NEW, AND STRANGE – SCENES SEEM NORMAL TO OTHERS, SUCH AS LONG LINES OF TEENAGERS OUTSIDE BARS AND GIRLS FREELY EXPRESSING THEMSELVES THROUGH THEIR CLOTHING AND DANCE IN THE STREETS. IN MY HOMELAND, ENGAGING IN THESE ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC COULD LEAD TO RIGOROUS CONSEQUENCES, EVEN DEATH.
WEEKLY MEDITATION
WEEKLY MEDITATION-LAKE MENDOTA-MADISON-WISCONSIN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-2023
what brought me here?
Anxiety!
what brought me here?
Anxiety!