Hoda Afshar, an Iranian-Australian artist, addresses the human condition in inhuman systems through her works. Her experiences as a young woman in Iran have profoundly influenced her artistic path, and now in Australia, she uses her art to critique social and political issues.
Formative Experiences and Sensitivity to Injustice
Afshar faced many challenges as a teenager in Iran during the 1990s. She and her friends were repeatedly arrested and tortured by the 'morality police' for inappropriate dress and attending underground parties. She says, "We are part of the lost generation; a generation born after the 1979 revolution that has paid the price for many political changes." These experiences have shaped her sensitivity to injustice and her interest in topics such as imprisonment and state violence.
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Hoda Afshar immigrated to Australia in 2007 and, as an emerging photographer and artist, has a deep understanding of human rights and freedom values. She states, "I grew up under a system that does not grant me freedom of expression and equal rights, so I do not take these freedoms for granted."
Social Critique Through Art
In her new exhibition titled 'a/part' held at the University of Melbourne, she showcases three projects that examine 'exceptional states.' This term refers to places where normal laws do not apply. In each project, she has created video and photographic portraits that depict the humanity of her subjects while also examining the narratives that justify these exceptional states.
One of her most famous works, 'Remain,' collaborates with Behrouz Boochani, an Iranian Kurdish journalist and writer, and a group of imprisoned refugee men on Manus Island. This video beautifully combines the tropical beauty of the island with the emotions and pains of the subjects. She says of this work, "My goal was to create a new visual language that could be impactful, as we have become accustomed to images of refugee suffering."
Afshar's works vividly illustrate how beauty and violence can coexist. Her portraits of young detainees in detention centers show them as individuals with feelings and aspirations, not just as victims of the system. This human perspective in her works has made her one of Australia's prominent artists.
In her 2021 project titled 'Agonistes,' she examines individuals who have been prosecuted and imprisoned for exposing government corruption. She states, "These individuals are all victims; they must choose between the law and society, and they remain loyal to society."
Hoda Afshar's works reflect her commitment to human rights and social critique. With each piece, she sheds light on the dark corners of society and strives to amplify the voices of the voiceless.
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