Gord Afarid
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
Lantern
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
Hasti
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
Garden of Liberty
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
The hero
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
Barmaye
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
Fury
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
The bike
Mixed media on Paper
30 by 22
"From Where I Am Standing" is a visual narrative of my experience as an Iranian living in Canada during the Iranian freedom uprising that began in September 2022. The uprising was ignited by the tragic death of Jina (Mahsa) Amini, a young woman who died in the custody of the morality police after being falsely accused of wearing an improper hijab. What started as a series of protests quickly evolved into a profound revolution that endures to this day, marked by the unyielding resilience of the people and the brutal violence of the government.
Though I could only witness their heroic acts through a screen, these moments remain vividly etched in my memory. "From Where I Am Standing" seeks to capture these instances of bravery and resistance as I saw them.
I draped black fabric over my paintings, embodying a sorrow that clings to me like a shadow—distant and elusive, yet always present, a grief as profound and incomprehensible as the distance between myself and my homeland. This sorrow has deepened over the years as Iranians persist in their relentless fight for liberty.
The interplay between the warp and weft of the fabric, partially revealing what lies beneath, serves as a metaphor: even amidst the unbearable circumstances in Iran, the flame of hope for freedom continues to burn. This hope is embodied by the young heroes who courageously confront one of the most oppressive regimes of our time.
"From Where I Am Standing" intertwines my personal experiences with a collective struggle. These paintings encapsulate the resilience and spirit of a nation—a nation I belong to and draw inspiration from, even from afar. As I translate these moments into visual form, I invite viewers to join me in honoring the immense courage, sacrifice, and unwavering hope that define the spirit of Iran—a spirit that continues to shine, even in the darkest of times.
Gord Afarid
The young girl stood alone, defiant, confronting a ruthless army of oppressors. She seemed as though she had stepped out of an epic tale, embodying the spirit of champions and legendary heroines.
Hasti
Among the fallen of the 2022 revolution in Iran were many children and adolescents, their lives unjustly taken. Hasti, a seven-year-old girl, was one of those who perished on the tragic day known as "Bloody Friday of Zahedan." I envision Hasti woven into the traditional patterns of Baloch carpets, resting within the sacred space of the mihrab.
Garden of Liberty
"Beyond the Garden of Liberty, which garden
bears fallen cypresses, drenched in blood?"
bears fallen cypresses, drenched in blood?"
In Iranian culture, the cypress tree holds a sacred status, believed to have originated from paradise. With its distinctive form and evergreen leaves, the cypress embodies resilience and courage, qualities often associated with heroes.
(A dear friend entrusted me with the honor of transforming these words into a visual homage to her grandfather, the poet who penned these lines.)
Fury
I adorned my chador with images of women—women who chanted for freedom. At the Iranian rally for liberty, I was consumed by anger, enraged by the relentless injustice in Iran. I no longer chanted slogans or called out Jina’s name. Instead, I stood still, seething with fury, my voice a muffled scream, fragmented words hanging in the air as everything around me blurred into nothingness.
The bike
On a sunny day in Toronto, with a gentle breeze brushing past, I rode a bicycle for the first time in years. With each pedal stroke, the wind kissed my face and played with my hair. For the first time, I tasted freedom—a sensation that had always felt distant and abstract until that moment.
In Iran, women are prohibited from biking under Islamic laws enforced by the government.
