Visual Art as a Form of Resistance: The Role of Female Visual Artists in the Iranian Women-led Uprising

In the midst of the Iranian women-led uprising against the dictatorial regime, I was invited to give a short talk on protest art in Iran at “Woman, Life, Freedom: The Sounds of A Revolution” event at Coventry Cathedral on Saturday, 20^th May 2023. My aim was to echo the feminist mobilisations in Iran through art.

In my talk, I aimed to shed light on the meaningful role of visual art as a tool of resistance, specifically focusing on the powerful contributions of female visual artists in driving the Woman, Life, Freedom movement forward. These artists harnessed their creativity to vividly express the shared anger and frustration of the Iranian people, transcending language barriers to convey collective hopes for life, freedom, and justice. The unique setting of the talk within the beautifully restored Coventry Cathedral added a special layer to the narrative, with its designed acoustics and architectural details contributing to an emotional resonance in the presentation. The intentional design of the cathedral became a silent collaborator, harmonising with the narratives of resistance and creating an immersive experience that connected the audience with the stories being shared.

Throughout the talk, I explored how these female artists actively engaged in the resistance, highlighting their ability to not only capture but magnify the voices of those on the front lines. Their art became more than cultural artefacts; it turned into a living legacy, preserving the spirit of the revolutionary movement for future generations. This exploration provided a deeper understanding of how female visual artists played a crucial role in shaping the resistance narrative.

The talk examined three categories of artworks, offering a comprehensive view of the diverse contributions of female visual artists to the resistance: iconography and memorial portraits, reimagining iconic moments, as well as motivating and inspiring others to join the resistance.

In the first group of works, reflecting on iconography and memorial portraits, one can observe how female artists have created powerful visual tributes to the heroes and martyrs of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. These artworks not only preserve the movement culturally but also elevate fallen heroes to iconic status, symbolising the enduring spirit of the cause and inspiring continued determination.

In the second category, we explore the works of female visual artists who have creatively reinterpreted and reimagined the iconic moments of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. This imaginative effort contributes to the ongoing stories of the uprising, providing fresh perspectives and injecting the movement with new insights and emotional resonance. By breathing new life into pivotal moments, these artists emphasise the evolution and spirit of those involved, creating a dynamic interplay between the past and present in the visual narrative.

The third category delves into how female visual artists have acted as motivators and inspirers within the Iranian revolutionary movement. Through their art, these artists have crafted pieces that ignite a sense of empowerment and motivation among the audience. These artworks serve as sparks for inspiration, using visual language to energise individuals within and beyond the geographical borders of Iran. By depicting individuals actively engaged in the struggle, these pieces not only inspire the present generation but also could serve as beacons for future activists, emphasising the transformative power of art in mobilising and sustaining a movement.

It is important to note that the cathedral evolved into a symbolic backdrop, visually reinforcing the themes of empowerment and change explored in the talk. Its architectural elements became a tangible manifestation of the movement's enduring spirit, casting a symbolic shadow on the artistic expressions that filled the space. The New Cathedral, embodying hope and transformation, emerged as a powerful backdrop that created a profound connection between the stories of resistance and the architectural space.

The talk unfolded as a compelling exploration of the intersection between art and activism, emphasising the transformative contributions of female visual artists in the Iranian women-led revolutionary uprising. The three categories of artworks provided a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of their role in the resistance. The carefully crafted, and restored Coventry Cathedral played a subtle yet powerful role serving as a setting in which the Iranian women and their visual expressions echoed, creating a lasting testament to the power of art within a space that resonated with both history and hope.

Roshi Rouzbehani is an Iranian freelance illustrator, who lives and works  in London. Her editorial and portrait illustrations centred around social issues, gender equality and women's empowerment have been featured in international media such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and Amnesty International. She is the author of 50 Inspiring Iranian Women.

Preview image credit © Roshi Rouzbehani, 2022