Parable of the Garden

The exhibit held in the TCNJ art gallery entitled "Parable of the Garden: New media art from Iran & Central Asia" was definitely an exhibit worth seeing. The main purpose of the exhibit was to showcase the contemporary art and culture of Iran and Central Asia through the theme of the Persian garden. Upon hearing the name of the exhibit, I was unsure of the meaning behind this idea of "the garden". After viewing the exhibit, however, I came away with a better understanding of this concept. The garden symbolized a place of inner sanctuary or perhaps an idealistic society. I learned that these modern artists employed the theme of the garden to explore and challenge religious dogma, gender inequality, and political disenfranchisement as well.

One piece in particular that really spoke to me was the piece created by artist Simin Keramati entitled "Earth". This piece came from a series called "The Four Elements". In this video the artist can be seen sitting in some type of enclosed space. As the video progresses, the viewer can see sand slowly falling on top of the woman until finally her head and entire body are covered. This footage seems to project feelings of hopelessness and despair. I know that I personally felt very unsettled watching it. It would seem that Keramati is hinting at the idea of desolation and despair among women in her culture. I would imagine that this piece somehow reflects the social and political changes that have affected women who live in Iran. Seeing the woman's grimace and realizing that she is going to be suffocated by the sand, causes the viewer to worry about the woman's well-being. Even more unnerving is the fact that the artist is allowing the sand fall on top of her. She isn't making an effort to escape.