Puppet and Parvaneh: Exploring gender bias and artistic anonymity in Iran
Date
2025-05
Authors
Masrour, Elnaz
Major Professor
Advisor
Walton, Barbara
Lilligren, Ingrid
Gebhart, Nancy
Stoehr, Alissa
Committee Member
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Abstract
This thesis is the written component to the art exhibit, Puppet & Parvaneh, Exploring
gender bias and artistic anonymity in Iran, held in March 2025 at Gallery 181, College of
Design, Iowa State University. The title incorporates the word Parvaneh, which means butterfly
in Farsi and symbolizes hope in my work. It examines the impact of gender bias on Iranian
women artists, who often face societal, legal, and cultural constraints that force them into
anonymity to protect their safety and freedom. The study looks at issues like gender equality,
individual freedom, and the power of art to overthrow oppressive structures. To create a
narrative that invites open interpretation, the accompanying artwork uses a variety of media,
including cardboard puppets, clay sculptures, digital illustrations, and acrylic on canvas.
Central to the exhibit is the exploration of anonymity as both a constraint and a form of
resistance. For Iranian women, anonymity often serves as a shield against punitive repercussions,
yet it also functions as a silent act of defiance, enabling creative expression in hostile
environments. This duality underscores the complexity of their lived experiences and the courage
inherent in their artistic practices. Through a combination of narrative styles, the exhibit bridges
the personal and the political, offering a platform for silenced voices while challenging viewers
to confront the realities of systemic oppression.
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thesis