These photographs tell the story of the Iranian Protests of 2023 for me.
I chose to depict the ongoing protests in Iran by creating a three-diptych series featuring distinct Iranian women. Each woman communicates her individual story, emotions, and opinions through facial expressions, body language, and specific actions, all directed and captured by me.
The Relief.
In the initial diptych, I depict the liberation from the compulsory hijab, a change that has shifted Sarah, the model, from feeling uncomfortable and oppressed to a state of increased empowerment and confidence, liberated from imposed regulations.
The protest.
The second diptych captures the transformation brought about by the protest, symbolized by a raised fist and a paragraph displayed behind Narges, the model. The content displayed comprises the lyrics of a recognized song, related to protests in Iran, called "Baraye by Shervin Hajipoor", transcribed in my personal handwriting. As an example, the first line translation is: "For women, life, freedom/ For men, nation, and liberty."
The Freedom
In the last diptych, Helia, the model, removes her hijab entirely and jubilantly waves the scarf in the air. Additionally, the background image features the same person securing her hair, symbolizing Mahsa Amini, who tragically lost her life during the protest while tying her hair.
