She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World
A new exhibition in the US is showcasing the work of female photographers from around the Middle East.
She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World brings approximately 100 photographs and two videos by leading women photographers from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Yemen to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston from 27 August to 12 January 2014.
"These prominent photographers have tackled the very notion of representation with passion and power, questioning tradition and challenging perceptions of Middle Eastern identity," reads the curatorial statement.
The images — ranging from fine art to photojournalism — refute the conception that Arab and Iranian women are “oppressed and powerless,” instead reinforcing that women today are doing some of the most significant photographic work in the region.
In their provocative works, these 12 artists hailing from across the Middle East provide insights into social and political issues, and delve into questions of personal identity.
In powerful, sophisticated and expressive works, the women represented in this exhibition tackle the complex and social landscapes the political dynamics of their homelands, exploring their backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to photography in the dynamic, fast-changing worlds they have documented.
The exhibition brings together the vital pioneering work of twelve leading artists: Jananne Al-Ani (Iraq), Boushra Almutawakel (Yemen), Gohar Dashti (Iran), Rana El-Nemr (Egypt), Lalla Essaydi (Morocco), Shadi Ghadirian (Iraq), Tanya Habjouqa (Jordan), Rula Halawani (Palestine), Nermine Hammam (Egypt), Rania Matar (Lebanon), Shirin Neshat (Iran), and Newsha Tavakolian (Iran).
There is also a lecture by prominent Iranian artist Shirin Neshat enitled “Through the lens: The life and work of an Iranian artist” scheduled for 16 October.
The exhibition runs until 14 January 2014.
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