Iranian-American photographer Sheida Soleimani illustrates her conflicting feelings about Iran with her latest project, a series of collages titled 'National Anthem.'
Though she's never been to Iran herself, Soleimani grew up listening to her parent's stories of oppression, escape and survival from the Islam Republic of 1979. Her parent's stories, along with her own experience of being an Iranian-American woman in Michigan, has shaped her art, which explores the troublesome history and bloodshed of the Western Asian country.
Soleimani's artistic process begins with her talking to her family members, hoping to extract a sense of what it's like to live in such a turbulent and politically charged environment. She then gathers images from various social media pages, pasting them together in a frenzied, maniacal manner, so as to communicate the uncertainty and political unrest in the most sensational way.
Political Unrest Collages
Sheida Soleimani Creates Politically Charged Art Around Iran's History
Trend Themes
1. Politically Charged Art - Artists can tap into the current political climate to create thought-provoking works that challenge the status quo.
2. Collage Art - Collage art is gaining more popularity as artists use it to create visually impactful works that combine different elements.
3. Narrative-driven Art - Artists can weave personal narratives into their work to create a powerful emotional connection with their audience.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Art galleries and museums can feature politically charged and thought-provoking works of art to attract a broader audience and engage in more critical discourse.
2. Media - Media outlets can partner with artists to feature their works and create a dialogue around important political issues.
3. Education - Educational institutions can use politically charged art to provoke critical thinking and facilitate discussions about important societal problems.