New Books in Middle Eastern Studies Pamela Karimi, "Women, Art, Freedom: Artists and Street Politics in Iran" (Leuven UP, 2024)
Jul 4, 2025
Pamela Karimi, an associate professor and expert in Iranian art, delves into the vibrant artistry born from the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising in Iran. Highlighting the diverse grassroots movements, she discusses how artists used their voices and bodies to challenge oppressive regimes through innovative street art and performance. The conversation spans from the risks artists face to the significance of anonymity and creative practices behind bars, showcasing art as a powerful tool for protest and change in the fight for women's rights.
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Art Emerged From Censorship And Global Parallelism
- Pamela Karimi links Iran's street art rise to earlier global movements like Occupy while stressing unique local causes like censorship.
- Artists use alternative urban spaces (factories, basements, streets) because galleries and museums are restricted.
Chupan's Selfies Led To Solitary Confinement
- Karimi recounts Chupan's Green Movement selfies and subsequent arrest after planning an exhibit in Tehran.
- The story shows how simple, nonviolent presence and documentation drew severe state repression.
Gestural Feminism Uses The Body As Speech
- Karimi defines "gestural feminism" as tacit bodily resistance where women communicate dissent via presence and gesture.
- Performance artists and photographers translate this bodily language into powerful, nonverbal protest.
