Possessed

 

Possessed

2009

Esplanade, Jendela                                                     

Title of show: IntrinsicIn

Iranian culture, women are idealized by their demure silence, which is considered a significant factor in their beauty and part of observing the Veil. By being muter than exposed, these women would add more to their exquisiteness. In this kind of society, this kind of woman is considered more beautiful and acceptable when they conceal their inner (and literal) voice and veil their bodies. In other words, observe the genuine modesty and definition of the Veil. In this scenario, she would be nothing but an object.

On the other hand, the intermittent women’s silence can be from years of being subjected to tradition, or it is Personal preference as it is empowerment, not vulnerability. If she is not forced to conceal her voice but yet avoid revealing her inner thoughts to retreat into the private inner sanctum. Therefore, the act of putting on the Veil becomes a moment of distress, loss, or repression, as well as a moment of safety, security, and familiarity. Ironically, of course, women who seek not to be objectified become just that through the strict observance of the Veil and, more particularly, create an identity crisis when this outward appearance conflicts with their fundamental ideas and convictions.
My photograph, “Possessed”, is about what a woman is experiencing beyond that calm face in her thoughts that are crazed with many reflections. Possessed shows a woman running around who might have lost her path of contemplation in life consciously or unconsciously and emphasizes her chaotic and confused mind. The messed up place or house where she is running is an explanation of her state of mind, how devastating her mentality is, and what is going on within her.