Bitter Orange

 

Women’s awareness about their rights and their demand for having these rights fulfilled in Iran coincided with the women’s liberation movements around the world, but they never could achieve the desired results; because, despite their efforts, these feminist movements were not supported by the community. Patriarchal marriage laws, custody rules and child marriage laws are examples for violation of women’s rights in the constitution of my country.

 

I tried to tie and hybridize the changes and reformation we need today to our old folklore narratives. I created a new picture story by making adaptions to a folk myth “The Daughter of Bergamot and Bitter Orange” since stories have always been the most powerful tools among people in my culture.

 

Also, adorning and embellishing for the women of my homeland was a way to unbosom themselves as they embroidered their stories of heart-breaks and disappointments, love stories or even their wishes and desires on beddings and curtains or wove them into Gabbeh rugs.

 

 

“Bitter orange” is an embroidered tapestry – 73*55 cm

 

The fabrics used in this work are woven by the women of my father's village, who work hard for the independence and realization of women's rights. The fabrics are woven using natural fibers and hand-dyed with organic dyes.