In this video projection, I manipulate the imagery to create a visual metaphor for the erasure of individuality under patriarchal and Islamic ideologies. The video begins with an image of my face, which gradually fades away each time I move my hand across it. This process continues until my image is completely gone. Simultaneously, the image of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, a significant historical figure in Iranian history, becomes more prominent. The projection is overlaid onto a photograph of Naser al-Din Shah, creating a juxtaposition between the personal and the historical.
The work explores the persistent influence of patriarchal and Islamic ideologies in Iran. As my image fades and the Shah’s image becomes clearer, it symbolizes how women’s identities are often overshadowed and erased by patriarchal figures and structures.
Naser al-Din Shah Qajar ruled Iran from 1848 to 1896, a period marked by significant social and political changes. Despite his role in modernizing aspects of Iran, such as importing photography, his reign was also characterized by authoritarianism and the perpetuation of patriarchal norms. Shah’s fascination with photography primarily served his narcissism, as he used it to document himself and his extensive harem of over 80 wives.
Understanding Naser al-Din Shah’s complex character requires delving into various sociopolitical and psychological frameworks. Max Weber’s concept of sultanism highlights the autocratic nature of his rule, while Sigmund Freud’s theory of narcissism provides insight into his self-obsession. Additionally, the tradition of polygamy, influenced by early Islamic practices, sheds light on his lifestyle and treatment of women.
Despite the historical distance, the legacy of Naser al-Din Shah’s reign continues to permeate Iranian society. His influence is not confined to the past; it lingers in contemporary social structures and norms, affecting the lives of Iranian women. This projection illustrates the ongoing struggle against these oppressive forces.
The act of my image disappearing while the Shah’s image remains signifies the continuous struggle of Iranian women against the remnants of a patriarchal past. However, the erasure of my image is not imposed by the Shah; it is a deliberate act, symbolizing both the internal and external pressures that contribute to the suppression of women’s identities.
By projecting my fading image onto that of Naser al-Din Shah, I aim to provoke reflection on the enduring impact of historical figures and ideologies on contemporary society, especially on the lives of women. This work serves as a commentary on the resilience required to navigate and resist the pervasive influence of patriarchal and authoritarian legacies.