Abstract
This paper examines the visual evolution of protest posters in Iran, focusing on shifts in representation, symbolism, and rhetoric surrounding women’s rights over the last decade, particularly during and after the pivotal “Women, Life, Freedom” (WLF) movement. By analyzing key visual elements and symbols—such as the act of cutting hair, depictions of injury to the eyes of protesters, and the amplified use of women’s hair as a protest symbol—the paper underscores how imagery has transformed to reflect deeper themes of resistance, resilience, and empowerment. Additionally, this study explores the prominent portrayal of women as goddesses and martyrs within these visuals, elevating them as sacred figures leading the struggle. This visual shift is contextualized within significant sociopolitical events from 2014 to 2024, offering insights into how historical milestones shaped the role of women in protest art. The impact of Generation Z’s involvement, the symbolic support for prominent female celebrities, and the memorialization of young martyrs highlight a generational and cultural evolution in Iran’s protest visuals. By documenting these shifts, the paper demonstrates how protest posters have become not only a medium of resistance but also a powerful archive of collective memory and identity for Iranian society, embodying the transformative power of visual communication.
Presenters
Fatemeh AbdolahipourbadiziStudent, MFA, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Protest Art, Visual Communication, Iranian Women’s Rights
