In referring to the Iranian government's vast oppression, Neshat explains why she uses her specific artistic style, as "artists have consistently relied on the power of allegory and poetic language to express everything that is not possible to express directly. Magical realism allows an artist like myself to inject layers of meaning without being obvious. In American culture, where there is freedom of expression, this approach may seem forced, unnecessary and misunderstood. But this system of communication has become very Iranian." I love that she acknowledged how Iranian culture, its art and "system of communication" itself is being transformed by this oppressive government into something that quietly resists its power.
In the photo gallery on the next website, I found this quote to apply directly to all of the pictures- especially the ones where women were hiding their faces or mouths. At first sight, the viewer sees that they are concealing themselves in some form or fashion. But seeing the Arabic cursive or ornate designs inked onto their hands or faces, it reminds the viewer that these women still have so much to say and express, opposing the often-used but ill-judged stereotype that women in the Islamic culture allow themselves to be silenced and repressed with wearing their hijab and simply going along with their religion/countries' social norms. Nashat may not be a feminist, but she is certainly asserting Iranian women and the power they hold, and how surprising it may be to Western audiences to have this visually realized.
The piece of work I chose is by Anita Kunz, and it was a part of the "Green Movement" following the elections in Iran in 2009, advocating for the candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi who was in favor of reform. I think it directly relates to Neshat's work, as it again implies (in a louder, less ambiguous fashion) that people may have to deal with their surroundings, political deficiencies, and culture, but that doesn't mean they will let themselves be silenced or rendered helpless because of it.
I'm glad you discussed the quote about "magical realism" because I completely overlooked it. Now that you mention it, it does make sense. Iran has created its own sense of protesting and speaking out in subtle ways. It does not have to be loud or shocking like many things in American culture.
ReplyDeleteI like the piece of work you chose in that it has a political stance on a societal issue, just like Neshat was doing with her work of the stereotypes of Muslim women. Your selected piece breaks the barriers of stereotypes on the Iranian people, showing that they will be heard through both mind and voice.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Casey and Callie, Iranian culture is very different. This is shown in her artwork and how her message is presented. Callie said that Iranians protest in subtle ways and it doesn't have to be shocking like the ways Americans protest. I think that the way Iranians protest is very subtle which also makes their protest last a lot longer. That is only my opinion though.
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