who is We

who is We, 2003

Fabric, color, wood, foam, television
Sewn, screen printed
Exhibition: Women's Museum, Bonn, 2004

who is We
I found an old green birdcage that reminded me of a bed.
A bed for dreaming, living and dying. A bed as large as a grave.
An ornament was created on the cage floor. Young Iranians are lying in a lush garden of leaves.
There is no birdsong. A real bird that sings with joie de vivre.
The 'Girl by the Garden Wall' is wearing three amulets across her breast. Symbols of the religions of Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam.
Her gestures are contradictory; she covers her face but displays parts of her hair and body.
A girl poses in front of forbidden satellite receivers on a roof. She reveals parts of her western clothing, which is concealed beneath her chador.
Young Iranians in their rooms – posing in front of the idols and attributes that they identify with.
I ask about individuality. About the wish to develop own ways of living.
How is a life determined? What is desire and what is compulsion?
I am sad that the birds cannot experience gardens.