Untitled II, 2023

This painting explores the theme of constraint and the erosion of identity among Iranian women, juxtaposing a seemingly peaceful landscape with underlying themes of oppression and silenced voices. The misty picture is a landscape of the tree from my hometown, representing both the grounding and entrapping nature of cultural roots, symbolized by her bound wrists to the frame. Crucially, the figure’s hyper-sexualized breasts are exposed, in stark contrast to her hidden face. This juxtaposition underscores the government’s idealized societal role for women, emphasizing a sexual objectification that overshadows individual identity and autonomy. The ballots around her represents the unheard voices and ignored choices of many, yet collectively, these ballots turn into protest signs, supported by the same woman. This work is a tribute to the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.