Dr. Mojgan Habibi
‘Silenced in Shadows’, is a collection of handmade grey ceramic stoneware plates adorned with white slip, each bearing one of the articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). This work serves as a reflection on the individual's role within society and questions the implications of inaction. The traditional technique of covering non-porcelain clay with white slip, typically used for making imitation porcelain, takes on a metaphorical role here, symbolising the unrealised ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
By selecting clay dinner plates, I draw a connection to the broader narrative of human civilisation, allowing viewers to interpret the work from various cultural perspectives. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration, emphasising freedom of expression, serves as a central theme, stating that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. However, it is essential to note that Iran, despite being a signatory to the Universal Declaration, does not fully acknowledge its principles.
The Iranian government claims cultural exceptionalism, asserting that it does not adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Instead, it prioritises the principles of Islamic government of Iran, leading to political restrictions, suppression of political opinions, censorship, and persecution of political opponents in Iran.
By creating ‘Silenced in Shadows’, I aim to stimulate discourse on the contrast between the idealised principles of human rights and the complex realities faced by individuals in Iran and other authoritarian societies. My art serves as a platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on the critical importance of upholding and defending fundamental human rights for all through participation.
SILENCED IN SHADOWS