Name: ______
Iranian Artist: Shirin Neshat
Step 1: View the four slides of photographs by Iranian artist Shirin Neshat. Record notes describing what you see, and predict Neshat’s purpose.
Slide 1: Hands/feet/gun
I see… / Neshat took this picture to demonstrate…Slide 2: white men/black women
I see… / Neshat took this picture to demonstrate…Slide 3:woman with writing pointing gun
I see… / Neshat took this picture to demonstrate…Slide 4: hand with writing covering mouth
I see… / Neshat took this picture to demonstrate…Step 2: Watch Shirin Neshat’s Ted Talk. Your goal is to determine the purpose behind her photographs. Record notes below. Use the questions below to help guide your notes .
1.What are some of the issues facing those who live in Iran?
2. What are some of the issues facing those who live in exile from Iran?
3. What two battles “on different grounds” are Iranian women fighting?
4. Why are artists considered central to the discourse in Iran? What do they bring the people?
5. Why was she obsessed with the book “Women Without Men?”
6. Why did she make her film?
7. What happened during the Green Movement?
8. Why do Iranian women inspire Neshat?
Step 3: Record one direct quote from her speech that helps you understand her artwork. Explain how this quote helps you to further understand her art.
Direct Quote / How does this quote further explain her artistic purpose?Step 5: Reflect and revise using your new knowledge.
1. Look back at the original notes you made about Shirin Neshat’s work. How has your understanding of her artwork changed or developed? Be specific!
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2. What questions do you still have about Shirin Neshat’s artwork?
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3. How does Shirin Neshat utilize art to speak her truth?
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4. How is Shirin Neshat’s artwork similar to Ai Wei Wei’s art from Unit 2: Asia?
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