Red Scarf

Description

on horseback—painted in the style of Persian miniatures—engage in a symbolic confrontation, representing the historic and ongoing struggle for autonomy and justice. Despite the chaos around her, the woman remains centered, her gaze fixed on a horizon of hope and freedom.

This piece speaks not only to the current uprising of women in Iran—those who are bravely removing their scarves and risking arrest—but also to the timeless power of feminine energy. It is a personal expression, blending realism with symbolism, tradition with rebellion.Artistic Influences & Contemporary Context

Arghavan Khosravi (Iranian-American)

>Khosravi’s work resonates deeply with my own practice. Her use of surreal, fragmented space and Persian miniature aesthetics creates powerful visual narratives about autonomy, identity, and womanhood.

Shahzia Sikander (Pakistani-American)

> Sikander reimagines classical Indo-Persian miniature painting with contemporary themes of migration, gender, and cultural hybridity. Her layering of symbolism and form resonates with my own practice, especially in how she transforms traditional motifs into modern narratives.

Dimitra Milan(American)

> Milan’s expressive, dreamlike portraits of powerful women deeply influence my aesthetic. Her blending of realism and abstraction to evoke emotion, movement, and inner strength aligns with my focus on portraying women as central, empowered figures in my work.These artists have shaped my understanding of how personal and cultural narratives can be

communicated through layered symbolism, tradition, and transformation. Their influence

continues to inform both my visual language and conceptual approach.