I stand with the brave women in Iran in their fight for freedom and am deeply saddened by the loss of #MahsaAmini. I return to the photographic series by Shirin Neshat, Women of Allah (1993-97). Using herself as both artist and model, in some photographs Neshat looks right at us, wearing the chador and armed with weapons. At other times, she stares at us down the barrel of a gun. Written on her face in Farsi lettering is poetry by Iranian women writers, referencing themes of martyrdom. By having their words across her body, Neshat is providing a means to amplify their voices -- despite the silence of a photograph. This work feels especially powerful right now, when so many women are taking to the street. These women are an inspiration for HOPE and the POWER in using one's voice to make change ❗️❗️❗️❗️ Speaking on the series in 2004, Neshat has said that the work is “focusing on the subject of revolution and the concept of 'martyrdom'.” It seems poignant to me that these are the same concerns being addressed over 20 years after the work was first made ❤️