Artist Spotlight: Shirin Neshat

Hopefully I will get to do a few more of these in between the meatier posts - I wanted to do a spotlight on an artist who I admire very much, and who fits the description of an artist utilizing technology in new and different ways.

Her name is Shirin Neshat. She is an Iranian-born artist, who does powerful photography feminist photography, as well as video-and-sound installations. Her most notable photography series is the Women of Allah, done between 1993 and 1997, after her first visit back to Iran after the Islamic Revolution. Her technique is black and white photography, depicting women (either herself, or others) in typical Muslim-dress in motions of prayer, or with weapons. After she develops the photograph, she uses pen and ink to inscribe Persian calligraphy from Persian poets.

She also recently put out her first feature film, called Women Without Men. Here is the trailer for the film:

Her work is extremely powerful, and her techniques and style emphasize the points she attempts to convey to her audiences. Though she isn't a graphic designer, she incorporates and utilizes technology in important ways in her artwork and as a director.

I hope you enjoyed her work!