Discrimination against women happens in all walks of life, all over the world. Women in Iran, for example, are discriminated against by the law. They do not have equal rights with men in marriage, divorce, child custody or inheritance. Women are even arrested for wearing western-style clothing, which is deemed inappropriate. With these images I am not trying to impose my opinion, I am just trying to acknowledge the issue with the hope that it will become less of a taboo and encourage people to be support women's rights movements and each other.
The black rose symbolizes the death of ideas, thoughts and beliefs. It can also signify a major change or the renewal of physical or mental strength or energy in the future. These images are meant to represent both sides of the coin. I wanted to show the beauty of women; their strength, and their spirit; as well as the beastly side of reality; I wanted to show what some women really face. In the context of a magazine, (fashion and lifestyle) the second images would be obscured by the first, to demonstrate how people will often try to ignore the reality, the beast, and are more interested in the fantasy; the glamour, the beauty. I believe fashion, especially magazines, can be a great medium to express opinions and beliefs, and raise important issues. This is something I will explore further over the next year.
For more information on the subject please visit:
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11221
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/iran-end-pressure-women-s-rights-defenders-20080827%20
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7457212.stm
http://www.protectthehuman.com/iranwomen
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