FEMININE PROJECT
October 26th 2020
The installation "Feminine" in Sulaimani, Iraq consisted of a 4,800-meter-long line covered with the clothes of 99,678 Kurdish women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
This project was made possible with the help of the Civil Development Organization and was intended to expose the abuse that happens behind closed doors and normalize women's bodies.
The installation was composed of traditional Kurdish clothes, head scarves, skirts, trousers, tops, dresses, bras, and underwear, collected by Tara and her team after knocking on doors and talking to tens of thousands of women in Sulaimani, Halabja, and Chamchamal.
The clothes were sewn together and hung onto the street pole line in a way that preserved their shape and displayed the items usually hidden underneath.
Feminine Project
"The Feminine Project" exhibition is a thought-provoking and impactful display of art that delves into the harsh realities faced by women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly those who have experienced violence. As a young artist from Sulaimaniyah, I use various artistic mediums such as paintings, installations, performances, sculptures, videos, and designs to express my innermost feelings and questions about the world.
Published Article about the work in Scientific Journal
Learn more about the impact and the feedback of my Feminine Project in this Article published on Cogitatio Press
The exhibition explores the painful experiences and suppressed identities many women in the region face.
It challenges certain values and practices of a conservative society and serves as a contemporary work of art that seeks to inspire change and raise awareness about violence against women.
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"The Feminine Project" received mixed reactions from the public, with some criticizing it for its portrayal of the city and its values.
Nevertheless, it also garnered support as an important artistic endeavor that ignites conversation about pressing social issues.
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Despite facing backlash and challenges, I remain dedicated to my mission of using art as a tool for social justice.
My exhibition uncovers the silent pain of women and brings these concerns into the public sphere, encouraging dialogue and action towards a more equitable society.
News Articles about the project:
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https://thespectator.com/book-and-art/shock-and-awe-inspiring-iraq/amp/
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https://www.performingviolence.com/post/feminine-the-feminist-installation-that-shook-sulaimani
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https://medyanews.net/a-womens-art-project-in-sulaymaniyah-arouses-controversy/
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http://cultureproject.org.uk/kurdish/feminin-art-work-critic/
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Social Media links
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