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The Mother Tree     

 The feminine has been excised from public life, where the masculine has been the heart of the social and political scenes in most of male-dominated societies. Iran, where I was born has been occupied by a patriarchy for many years. Women have been dependent on men and moreover with the prevalent religious atmosphere, have been kept away from social and economic power. Dependency and religion has made most women submissive and isolated. In such an environment, there are many women who never have the chance to act in a way other than what they are “supposed” to. The society makes every attempt to keep them indoors, and out of the public eye until they get married. Then in their marriage life, they are kept indoors again, to raise their children. Is this really what women are meant for? What could be the psychological consequences? 

In these bodies of work I have an isolated female tree, who is partly an unmarried (virgin) woman, and partly a tree. I have chosen a tree in reference to artists like Jeane Fabb, who finds  womens‘ intimate experiences with nature gripping, and Shirin Neshat who tells the story of a “woman who is also a tree, a symbol that comes from the Koran, the sacred tree”. 

In my work there is the transformation from a woman to a tree and vise versa. This metamorphosis takes place to symbolize the internal struggle over feminine issues such as the fears of loosing their virginity, and the fear of barrenness facing women today.                     

This transformation is taking place in order to blossom. Where, as in many cultures, childbearing is seen as a sacred phenomena. This divine reconstruction brings with it, one of the most terrifying fears for most women, the fear of barrenness. For instance, The Bible regards barrenness as a curse. I tried to point out this traditionally accepted expectation some societies place on women, and its psychological pressure on them. I have experienced that darkness, and still carry that fear from my femininity; even though I am now living in a different country. There is a struggle for this woman who is willing to breed and so turns to a tree; while at the same time trying to keep her persona as an individual, and self-reliant member of society. She lacks conviction.

1 year ago 

[Flash 10 is required to watch video]

The Mother Tree     

 The feminine has been excised from public life, where the masculine has been the heart of the social and political scenes in most of male-dominated societies. Iran, where I was born has been occupied by a patriarchy for many years. Women have been dependent on men and moreover with the prevalent religious atmosphere, have been kept away from social and economic power. Dependency and religion has made most women submissive and isolated. In such an environment, there are many women who never have the chance to act in a way other than what they are “supposed” to. The society makes every attempt to keep them indoors, and out of the public eye until they get married. Then in their marriage life, they are kept indoors again, to raise their children. Is this really what women are meant for? What could be the psychological consequences? 

In these bodies of work I have an isolated female tree, who is partly an unmarried (virgin) woman, and partly a tree. I have chosen a tree in reference to artists like Jeane Fabb, who finds  womens‘ intimate experiences with nature gripping, and Shirin Neshat who tells the story of a “woman who is also a tree, a symbol that comes from the Koran, the sacred tree”. 

In my work there is the transformation from a woman to a tree and vise versa. This metamorphosis takes place to symbolize the internal struggle over feminine issues such as the fears of loosing their virginity, and the fear of barrenness facing women today.                     

This transformation is taking place in order to blossom. Where, as in many cultures, childbearing is seen as a sacred phenomena. This divine reconstruction brings with it, one of the most terrifying fears for most women, the fear of barrenness. For instance, The Bible regards barrenness as a curse. I tried to point out this traditionally accepted expectation some societies place on women, and its psychological pressure on them. I have experienced that darkness, and still carry that fear from my femininity; even though I am now living in a different country. There is a struggle for this woman who is willing to breed and so turns to a tree; while at the same time trying to keep her persona as an individual, and self-reliant member of society. She lacks conviction.

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