Shirin Neshat (Iranian, b. 1957)

The woman in the photograph is Faezeh, one of the characters in Shirin Neshat's internationally acclaimed feature film Women without men. Unlike the outstanding portrait by the artist, where Faezeh is standing next to Amir Khan (lot 45 in Part I sale), in this photograph Faezeh is depicted alone with calligraphy on the wall behind her and on her body. Through the poetry of the writing, the style and the expression of Faezeh, Shirin Neshat is evoking the life of an innocent and beautiful yet melancholic woman.

By observing the image closely, one will notice Faezeh's tear. She is hoping to marry Amir Khan, the brother of Munis who herself is a character in the film. But her reputation is sullied. Shirin Neshat is thus referring to social injustice, as Faezeh is confronted to the unfortunate realities of the community she lives in.