WSN photographers captured a performance by an artist silently protesting against the Iranian regime in Washington Square Park on November 4.
Mass political unrest has erupted in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died after reportedly not wearing a hijab in accordance with government standards and being detained by the country’s morality police. After her death, local police clashed with protesters, and the conflict sparked international outrage against the Iranian government.
Artist Sofia Saleh grew up in Marseille, France, but has spent the past seven years working outside of New York. She draws much of her inspiration from memories of her late father and the city that surrounds her, intrigued by the legacy people leave behind. With this motivation in mind, Saleh seeks to challenge the monotony of everyday life through his work.
On November 4, Saleh stood in the middle of Washington Square Park for an hour, her mouth taped shut and her body chained. Words scrawled in charcoal covered her hands. The words were a unifying voice, a deafening roar of “Women. life. Freedom”, a general rally. The artist called on the audience to stand silently next to her, distracting herself from her busy life.
For Saleh, the world stopped for an hour, her calm vitality drawing spectators in the park. During those 60 minutes, Saleh inspired the crowd with her quiet yet resonant performance.
Text by Shiren Anand.
Photo by Shiren Anand and Tianshan Wen.
Contact them at [email protected].
Designed for the web Kevin Wu.
