The 1979 revolution (Islamic revolution) was a series of protests that concluded with the overthrow of the Pahlavi Dynasty. Sensitive issues like romance, marriage and the hijab worsened after the revolution. Arson on the prostitute district Shahr-e No was acknowledged differently by two well-known revolutionary figures. Moreover, women’s protests during the revolution and their absence following the revolution became yet another contradiction in the revolution’s attitude. To reflect this with art, I juxtaposed photos, using a collage technique of newspaper collections with women’s photographs reflecting the anti-ethical beliefs, perspectives and expectations of 1979 Iran. These collages and paintings feature several figures, symbols, and incidents from the revolution. They present evidence of the incompatible beliefs, as they appeared in newspapers and hint at the revolution’s underlying issues. Patriotic stories were repeatedly told throughout mainstream songs. Flowers were also perpetually used, symbolising martyrdom, springtime, chastity, and decency. The collage technique embodied a society that I came to know in my early years shattered into pieces.
