Unravel un.rav•elun-rav-elan'ravalI
verb (unravels, unraveling, unraveled; British unravels, unravelling, unravelled) [with
object]
1 undo (twisted, knitted, or woven threads).
• [no object] (of twisted, knitted or woven threads) become undone.
[no object] (of an intricate process, system, or arrangement) disintegrate or be destroyed: his
painstaking diplomacy of the last eight months could quickly unravel.
2 investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling): they were attempting to
unravel the cause of death.

WOMEN LIFE FREEDOM - Working towards a better future.

Tribute to all the mothers who have nurtured their children and yet are helpless to protect them due to circumstances beyond their control.

I started this painting before the leaked Supreme Court papers. I was actually frustrated with all the inequality that still exists against women in America. Where women are educated but held back by obsolete laws. The symbolism of being stuck by the crystal slippers is tied to the Cinderella story of glass slippers, while women are trying to break the glass ceiling. The glass holding the feet down are broken pieces, as women with education and resources have the ability to change the laws to break free from the current unjust laws. The flag symbolizing our freedom and democracy can propel us forward to achieve our potential to do better. No time to rest as the body sits uncomfortably on information and laws that can and should change to improve the lives of women.

Objectifying women must end. Women are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives as well as doctors, nurses, dentists, firefighters, and are working in thousands of other professions.But some men still think they can touch a woman without her permission. The colors are black, white and gray to symbolize that sexual harassment doesn't racially discriminate. The chains are broken to symbolize the breaking of cultural and religious chains that prevent women from moving forward.

While I was traveling in Iran and talking to young women of high school and college age, they were mostly complaining that they feel there is an invisible hand that is choking them: claustrophobic laws on personal and financial freedoms. The inspiration of this painting came mostly from those conversations as well as my interest in places of worship where we are mostly focused on the bedazzling ceilings and walls ignoring the limited freedom bestowed on women.

There is drought all over the world. There is very little media coverage on shortage of safe drinking water not only for people but animals and agriculture. Middle East has had a huge drought problem for several years now and it is continuing. If not addressed there will be more civil unrest and more migration of refugees from drought areas into other over crowded cities and countries.

As an Iranian born woman living in United States my two worlds have collided. The rights of women are always under attack. It is disheartening to think we still have to fight for them in the 21st century. The boxing gloves can also be interpreted as bandages as sadly you cannot be free without a good fight for your rights . This painting pays homage to all the Muslim women who are sacrificing their life to gain freedom and equal rights.

The rights of women are always under attack even in the West and Industrialized countries. It is disheartening to think we still have to fight for them in 21st century. In this image the woman is more middle aged and sitting on a golden throne, tired as the fight for equal rights continues and she can't stop her fight. The hands are bandaged or in boxing gloves depending on the viewers interpretation as we move back in time to use hangers from desperate situations.

I was inspired to paint this painting when I was going to a mosque in Shiraz, Iran. Although, I was dressed modestly and my head was covered, I was asked to wear a long veil. The second panel shows the destruction of the veil but the devout is still walking towards the place of worship and not away from it. Veiling should not be forced. It should be a choice.

I was inspired to paint this painting when I was going to a mosque in Shiraz, Iran. Although, I was dressed modestly and my head was covered, I was asked to wear a long veil. The second panel shows the destruction of the veil but the devout is still walking towards the place of worship and not away from it. Veiling should not be forced, it should be a choice.

I was inspired to paint this painting when I was going to a mosque in Shiraz, Iran. Although, I was dressed modestly and my head was covered, I was asked to wear a long veil. The second panel shows the destruction of the veil but the devout is still walking towards the place of worship and not away from it. Veiling should not be forced, it should be a choice.

Inspiration from Chehelsotoon, Esfahan, Iran

The veil has always existed in the Middle East to protect women from the natural elements; sun, wind and sand. It is unfortunate that an item that was created to protect women is being used as a political tool to hurt them.

The left panel depicts an adolescent cocooned. The towel is glazed with glass to show reflection as well as the fragile protection. The middle panel shows the adolescent seeking her freedom. The shard glass is a representation of this fragile freedom. The third panel depicts the choice to remove all protection. This is all being read in the western language from left to right. However, the story is quite different reading it from right to left as in many languages in the Middle East.

I took my inspiration from the Blue Mosque in Istanbul for this painting. This is completely imaginary. I have always been fascinated with women who willingly wear the veil. Their faith has become their Gilded Cage where they are denying themselves equal rights.