The Art of Revolution: a Panel Discussion [report]

On Wednesday the 2nd of November 2022, the Security Distillery hosted its first in-person event since Covid titled: “The Art of Revolution” at Charles University in Prague. The discussion was centred on the current revolution in Iran and the role the arts play in societal change.

Saliteh (on the left) and Soroush Sanaeinezhad (on the right) sharing their art and experience as activists. [photo credit: Andreea Troneci]

Professor Dr Pejman Abdolmohammadi from the University of Trento opened the discussion by contextualising the revolution in Iran. Highlighting demands of freedom, equality and democracy, the revolution was sparked following the murder of Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman whose life was taken away for wearing her hijab “inappropriately” in Teheran. The initial demonstrations quickly spread, igniting nationwide protests and a revolution led by women.

The voices of these women in Iran fighting regime-enforced regulations and the repressive Iranian system imposing second-class citizenship and gender apartheid found support around the world.

Worldwide, Iranian artists and activists have supported the revolution through art, reminiscent of the role the arts played n the 1979 revolution. The Security Distillery was lucky enough to have two of them join us: Saliteh, an independent multidisciplinary artist, advocate and activist of the MeToo movement, and Soroush Sanaeinezhad, a visual and performance artist and activist. Both gave insights, noting how the arts, whether through film, theatre, music and more, are not only extremely restricted but for the most part, prohibited and censored especially for women. In Iran, artists have been regulated and censored by the Ministry of Guidance (MCIG), an agency similar to the "morality police” since the early 1980s which considers anything not MCIG-conform to be dangerous.

Soroush and Saliteh incorporated elements of their own work, highlighting their activism and solidarity with women and the repressed, reflecting on their own experiences, struggles and hopes. Their experiences, stories and bravery not to mention talents were an incredibly valuable contribution to the panel.

They provided enriching insights into the past and present cultural scene in and outside of Iran and deeply moved the audience with their art, their music and their resilience.

Dr. Pejman Abdolmohammadi

Dr. Pejman Abdolmohammadi is a Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, expert in the politics, history and international relations of the Middle East. As an Iranian-Italian scholar he provides analyses on Middle Eastern affairs for multiple international media and institutions.

Soroush Sanaeinezhad

Soroush Sanaeinzehad is a visual and performance artist in Prague and an active organiser of protests and performances since the spark igniting a renewed revolution in Iran.

Saliteh

Saliteh is an independent multidisciplinary artist, advocate and activist in the MeToo Movement and current Revolution.

 

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