​This sculpture was inspired by a sketch I made long ago. Back then, this piece was echoing a personal struggle; me not having a voice and being a minority. But still, didn’t feel right to start the making process .


During Iran's protests, while looking at the initial drawings, I realized this was never about me, my art is no more for/about me. Though the portrait is actually a self-portrait, it resonates with all the Iranian women objectified by the government. Forcing them to do what they want and silencing them when they want to speak up against them. Truth was never heard, Iranian women were a plaything for politicians for more than four decades. It’s time to break free. We are people, lives, and not your toys. It’s time for woman, life, freedom.

Written poem on the paper:
​

Make me dance
Make me sing
Make me talk
Listen to me
Whenever you want

Plaything, wood, gesso, rice paper, vellum, plaster bandage, (2022, Courtesy of the artist)