WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM
As a student in the Designing for Social Good course as part of the Emergent Digital Practices program at the University of Denver in the winter of 2023, creating digital animations surrounding a current revolution has been very eye-opening.
Creating artwork that informed and engaged viewers on a large scale required a deep research journey. I was able to use platforms familiar to me like TikTok and Twitter to discover the latest relevant information following the Iranian protests. Additionally, other artistic materials such as Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel Persepolis and having the opportunity to connect with other global artists bringing notice to the movement inspired my own art. I worked to add movement to better capture the audience's attention on the screen or wall in exhibition spaces. Scaling and critiquing the pieces from laptops to television screens, to projection throws allowed for experimentation in minimalistic styles and with the speed and energy of the animations.
While participating in both the #Woman, Life, Freedom: Iran Today exhibition at the University of Denver Community Commons Gallery and Woman, Life, Freedom: Gen Z at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center, I became mindful of the kind of tool artwork can be in spreading awareness. By keeping up to date with Iran as the people there fight for their human rights, I was better able to maintain the current message and contribute to the conversation of greater social and political reform. I felt that I became part of the global community of activists supporting women, life, and freedom in Iran, but my message is one primarily of sharing and solidarity.
Iranians today are still being arrested, threatened, and executed as they work for a life with personal agency. By standing with them, I can give those fighting for a better future in Iran a more widespread platform and amplify their message as many protect their anonymity on behalf of their success and their safety. Through my artwork, I have been able to offer a platform to support Iranian activists and their fight for freedom and agency. The work that I have created here has inspired me to continue to use art and animation to raise awareness, spread messages of solidarity, and amplify the voices of those who need it most.
