Right on Iranian Sisters!
The same week that Seda Iranian Theatre presented The Forgotten History of Mastaneh, the personal memoirs of female oppression in post-revolutionary Iran circa 1987, an exhibit by female Iranian American artists opened at the University of Washington School of Art, featuring four artists, Audineh Asaf, the chair of the Art Department at Edmonds College, Nakisa Dehpanah, an architect, Sadaf Sadri and Armida Ziaei.
One of the artist’s Nakisa Dehpanah appeared to have been influenced by Northwest Native American art as she used the vibrant red, black and white color scheme; however when questioned the said that she was unaware of it. However the combination of these two primary colors symbolizes power, passion, energy and authority. Her “paintings” were created digitally on an i-pad and were visually arresting.
As a contrast Audineh Asaf’s “paintings,” titled Women.Life.Freedom, were less cheerful and spoke to the recent protests in Iran, where she still has family. “I want to show the protestors’ passion, power and determination-the spark that ignited it all.” Previously Ms. Asaf felt that her art was only for herself but “inspired by the protests, it suddenly became essential for me to get this work out there… I wanted to shine a light on it.”
Parmida Ziaei, presented a video of her choreography which appeared to be a fusion of traditional Persian and Western modern dance, set to beautiful Iranian music performed on traditional instruments. It was positively stunning, with beautiful costumes-flowing red skirts-and interesting arm movements.
The installation by Sadaf Sadri made the most overt political statement. It was a video of the 1970’s Coca-cola commercial where a host of young people of different ethnicities sing about peace and harmony and is interspersed with images of the violent reaction to the protests in Iran. The contrast was effective.
The opening reception on Tuesday, February 14, was a great opportunity to meet the artists, discuss the situation in Iran and feast my eyes on beautiful and interesting works of art. I recommend this show for everybody. There will be a moderated talk with the Artists on Wed. Feb 22 from 11:30-1.
Art as Activism-Exhibition of Seattle-based Iranian artists responding to the conditions of women in Iran. Rom 212-Art Building (ART) University of Washington. Seattle Hours. 10 am-5 pm. til Fri. Feb 24. 2023.