Imposed Thought
It all begins with an idea. Perhaps you want to launch a business, turn a hobby into something more significant, or share a creative project with the world. Whatever it may be, the way you tell your story shapes how it is perceived. In my work, I attempt to present the hijab from a different perspective—one that challenges the conventional Western view of it as a symbol of control and oppression for Muslim women. This perspective, largely shaped by Western media, often simplifies complex cultural and religious symbols.
The discussion around the hijab is multifaceted: when considered as a rational or religious law, its use may not be inherently compulsory. If it is enforced as a law, its compulsion arises from its legal status, not from an absolute necessity. While the full scope of responses from Islamic authorities remains limited, there are signs that the Islamic Republic recognizes that four decades of attempts to normalize the hijab through imposition have not only been ineffective but have sparked concerns about the potential rise of a "women’s revolution."
In this series, my goal is to deconstruct the Western perceptions of Islamic women, offering a more nuanced view that moves beyond simplistic stereotypes. I present a generic Muslim woman’s image that transcends one-dimensional representations. This approach challenges the often reductive view held by Western analysts, whose understanding of the Muslim world is frequently shaped by media clichés rather than factual knowledge. Rather than offering a "more accurate" interpretation of existing constructs, my work seeks to reveal the multiplicity of meanings that exist within these symbols, inviting the viewer to question preconceived notions and consider diverse perspectives.
Project Duration:
Fall 2019 - December 2021
In my work, I used the phrase "dependent language" in calligraphy, which underscores the cultural significance of language within Iran. The process of creating meaning in this piece involves a dynamic interplay between various levels of truth, representation, and philosophy, constantly shifting and evolving. I chose to design both Persian and English letters by hand, drawing inspiration from the logic of traditional Iranian seals, yet presenting them as separate from the images themselves.
At its core, the work explores the concept that "context is formed only when the 'truth' and the types of representations and ideologies are combined and unified into a consistent, seemingly natural unity." This idea is central to the visual language of my piece, as it reflects the ways in which cultural symbols and ideologies are interwoven to form a cohesive narrative.
To reinforce the theme of Hijab, I incorporated monoprints of fabric as the background for the series of posters. The cloth serves as a metaphorical and literal representation of the hijab, connecting the visual composition with the central theme of modesty, identity, and cultural practice.
In this audio piece, I aimed to combine sound and the symbolism of headphones to present a woman's voice in a new light. In many Eastern cultures, where women often face significant barriers to equality, expressing one's voice—both literally and metaphorically—becomes an act of resistance. In countries where women do not have equal rights, it is especially difficult for them to speak out and have their voices heard. If women remain silent, or if they are not empowered to raise their voices for their rights, their words become mere echoes, fading into the background rather than resonating as powerful expressions of agency and truth. This piece seeks to challenge that silence, giving space for the woman’s voice to break through and be acknowledged.
In this piece, I aim to explore the limitations of perception and the extent of control one possesses. It examines how what we see is often influenced by external factors—social norms, cultural expectations, or systemic constraints—shaping not only our view of the world but also our sense of agency within it. By questioning the boundaries of perception, I seek to challenge the notion of absolute control and reveal how much of our understanding and experience is shaped by forces beyond our direct influence. Through this exploration, I hope to prompt reflection on the dynamic between visibility, control, and the constraints imposed by society.
In the website "Who Is in Control?", I pose a fundamental question to my audience: Who is truly in control? This question is deliberately left open-ended, inviting the viewer to reflect on the complex dynamics of power and authority. Hidden within the website are key words such as "Women," "Men," "Government," "People," and "Society," carefully obscured to symbolize how the roles and voices of women, particularly in Muslim-majority countries, are often suppressed or controlled. The concealed nature of these terms serves as a visual metaphor for the societal and cultural forces that regulate women’s lives, particularly in relation to the practice of the hijab.
By engaging with this interactive element, I aim to provoke a response from my audience—one that will offer insights into their understanding of the sensitive topic of hijab. This feedback will help deepen my understanding of how both Western and Muslim communities perceive the intersection of gender, religion, and societal norms. Ultimately, the website becomes a platform for dialogue, allowing me to explore how control, autonomy, and identity are negotiated and represented in both global and local contexts.