Sheltered
Illustration is about how young girls in Iranian cultures could be very sheltered to the outside world, and only think about and know of what they are taught by traditional elders, making their identities a culmination of what their family wants them to be. This illustration references imagery from multiple Forugh Farrokhzad poems, specifically One Window and It Is Only Sound That Remains.
Control
Identity and image of a women is something that seems to be controlled by family or government to only show the ideal view of women that fits in with that society’s standards. Inspired by The Wind-Up Doll by Forugh Farrokhzad.
Fighter
Iranian women have been apart of many protests throughout Iran’s history to fight for their rights, this illustration showcases a heavy necklace with charms that represent these protests and rights they fight for. Inspired by the story in Simin Bahbahani poem Necklace.
Unity
Women inherently wish for and want unity, but their differences are highlighted in the media to place
them against one another. The poem referenced is Gracefully She Approached by Simin Bahbahani.
I Crave Knowledge
Illustration is about how there is an abundance in knowledge and education but, for a long time, it was not available for women. Now that women can have an education, they have excelled in many fields showing their hunger for knowledge and progress. Inspired by Parvin Etesami’s poetry.
Stitched Up and Healing
Iranian women’s love for their culture is something deep and strong. They do all they can to build up their country and heal their culture. This illustration showcases a group of women creating a quilt of there favourite memories, moments, and icons of Iran. Inspired by the works of Simin Bahbahani and Nimtaj Salmasi.
Wrath of Anahita
Anahita is a Persian goddess of water, moon, and galaxy. This illustration focuses on the theme of anger, Anahita is depicted in a state of rage, flooding a city of roses, representing the anger and sadness women feel in their hearts when they fight for their rights. Inspired by the works of Sholeh Wolpe, works of Simin Bahbahani, and Forugh Farrokhzad’s Waves.
Lonely
This illustration focuses on the themes of depression and loneliness that generations of women continue to feel due to the ongoing effects of certain events throughout history. Inspired by Forugh Farrokhzad’s One Window, Parvaneh Forouhar’s I Am Depressed, Batoul Nayer’s The Heart is Lonely.
Roses of the Land
In “Roses of the Land”, the experiences of Iranian women are illustrated using the metaphoric language of poetry written by Persian females, to showcase the complexities and power of the female identity.
