Prints of Social Media Posts Documenting Victims , Craft Paper, Paper Clay, PVC Pipe, Glass Flower Vase, Black Sand, Fabric, Projector, Camera, Laptop, Projection Mapping with Live Video Switching Every 138 Seconds*
This work draws on viral images of protesters shared across social media, using them as fragmented portraits of resilience. These forms are translated into fragile bodies that resemble flowers. The sculpture is rooted in Persian poetry, where flowers often serve as metaphors for the human body. A live fisheye camera above the piece tracks viewers as they move, following them with a green target symbol.
This work was part of my MA exhibition “ I Will Become a Flower and Sit Next to you” Ana Mendieta Gallery, Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa
*Note:
On September 13, 2022, Mahsa[Zhina] Amini was arrested by Iran’s morality police in Tehran for allegedly not wearing her hijab "properly." She was taken into custody, where witnesses and reports suggest she was subjected to severe physical violence leading to her hospitalization and eventual death. On her gravestone, her family inscribed the words: "Beloved Zhina, you will not die. Your name will become a code”.
Her death sparked widespread protests. Iran Human Rights confirmed 138 specific cases of eye injuries across different cities in Iran to highlight the systematic nature of the injuries against unarmed protesters. Eyewitness accounts of green lasers on the faces of protesters prior to being shot further emphasis the purposeful intent of injury to the eyes.The use of laser weapons designed to cause permanent blindness is prohibited under international law.
Her death sparked widespread protests. Iran Human Rights confirmed 138 specific cases of eye injuries across different cities in Iran to highlight the systematic nature of the injuries against unarmed protesters. Eyewitness accounts of green lasers on the faces of protesters prior to being shot further emphasis the purposeful intent of injury to the eyes.The use of laser weapons designed to cause permanent blindness is prohibited under international law.