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CVPA professor and alumna curate solo exhibition commemorating Iran's "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising

Sept. 22 exhibition features the works of Tehran-based activist artist Meysam Azarzad

Artwork by Meysam Azarzad shows Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, who was arrested for not wearing the hijab properly, she was allegedly beaten by the police, leading to her death. Her tragic fate ignited nationwide protests for women's rights, known as "Woman, Life, Freedom." In this work, Azarzad has juxtaposes portrait of Amini with a verse from Ferdowsi that reads: "From then on, a roar emerged from Iran; Conflict and turmoil arose from every direction."

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Iran's "Woman, Life, Freedom," uprising, on Sept. 22, the Dedee Shattuck Gallery in Westport, MA will present a solo exhibition featuring the works of Tehran-based activist artist Meysam Azarzad, curated by Art History Professor Pamela Karimi and MFA alumna Merri Cyr '19.

Meysam Azarzad masterfully intertwines ancient poetic verses with the bold visages of young Iranians on Instagram. His pieces spotlight undaunted men and women, seamlessly paired with modified verses from the 11th-century nationalistic poet, Abolghassem Ferdowsi’s “Shahnameh” or “Book of Kings.”

This melding of language and imagery echoes an age-old Iranian tradition where visual art resonated deeply with poetry and prose, emphasizing that art from this region was seldom just a singular visual experience.

The exhibition not only commemorates Mahsa Amini’s tragic end but also lauds Azarzad’s dedication to preserving the events and heroes of the uprising. His visual narrative ensures that despite the risks of erasure in the digital age, the revolution’s heroes – whether fallen, imprisoned, or tortured – remain etched in the nation’s memory.

"As you explore this exhibition, we hope you recognize the significance of what is considered by many as the world’s first Feminist revolution," said Karimi. "Furthermore, we hope you acknowledge the pivotal role Middle Eastern women have taken in their pursuit of democracy."

For more information about this exhibition, click HERE.

"As you explore this exhibition, we hope you recognize the significance of what is considered by many as the world’s first Feminist revolution. Furthermore, we hope you acknowledge the pivotal role Middle Eastern women have taken in their pursuit of democracy."
Pamela Karimi, art history professor