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print this pageI Wasn't Asked
Fatemeh Fani
Saturday, November 08 - 10:40AM to 11:00AM
3824 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
"I Wasn't Asked" is a research project based on my personal traumatic experiences as an Iranian woman, where even a single strand of hair can mean life or death. Utilizing personal archival photos, the project revolves around the compulsory hijab and the excessive violence it inflicts on women in Iran. I use art as an act of protest and resistance, as well as a vehicle for advocacy and hope.
By posing the question, "How can a simple object—a scarf—lose its primary function and become a means of violence, murder, rape, and oppression?" the audience is invited to confront the painful realities surrounding the compulsory hijab and its profound impact on Iranian women.
My studio practice is dedicated to raising awareness of the horrific events occurring in Iran, where people are denied the media platforms they need to have their voices heard. More than half of the news from my country is either censored by the regime or silenced by foreign media.
By sewing, embroidering, and altering images, I transform moments of silence into a form of resistance. Each thread I weave represents the reclaiming of my story, my identity, and my voice. I have chosen to create art and speak about my personal trauma—which is also a collective trauma—because in my own country, I never had the freedom to speak, express my feelings, or protest.
Through my work and my words, I have sacrificed the possibility of ever returning to Iran, because I am exposing the true face of the Islamic Republic. If I ever go back, I will be arrested, and my fate will be uncertain. As a result, I have no idea when—or if—I will ever see my family and friends again. But I have no regrets about the path I've taken.
speaker
Fatemeh Fani
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