Upcoming exhibition, Matchstick Heroines, connects storytelling and photography of 10 Iranian-American girls and women bringing awareness and solidarity with the revolution in Iran.
To amplify the voice of Iranian women, Shermin Kruse (author, producer, entrepreneur) and James Gustin (photographer, storyteller) are teaming up for a longitudinal artistic work that creates captioned portraits of Iranian-American women. Through this exhibition, their work will heal, unite, and aid in the becoming of their subjects, themselves, and perhaps voice for freedom everywhere. The first phase of the project will exhibit the initial set of 10 subject portraits: All spirited and bold Iranian-American girls and women who are generationally, geographically, professionally, racially, religiously, and linguistically diverse. The portrait and written caption will reveal the relationship between the woman and an object reflecting her ever becoming soul. Together, the artists and their subjects aim to fan the flames of the powerful women on the streets of Iran, standing in awe of them, awaiting a reunion.
Challenges
How does one capture both the personal nature of this moment and the gravity of current events in a portrait while not perpetuating narratives of oppressed women? It's a big challenge and nearly impossible to steer clear of the political and religious arguments swelling around the situation in Iran.
“My mother is German-Iranian. We have Persian roots. She had five sisters. So it’s personal for me. Connecting with that pain, getting support and finding a way to bring a positive light into a dark situation is important to me. I want the women in my life and women everywhere to have the freedom of choice. Creating this project with my wife, is healing.”
The art direction for the project is inspired by Dwaine Micheals, an influential photographer whose work explores emotion and philosophy. Matchstick Women is an extension of the infusion of art, philosophy and emotion that James and Michele infuse into their practice. The idea that each woman is becoming. They are emerging moment by moment and awakening to their power.
“We connected with the the concept of becoming. To speak to the freedom of women, the influence of their growth and their powerful selves. To capture women in a moment of solidarity and to add positivity to the atmosphere.”
Dwaine Micheals Portrait Series
We partnered with Shermin Kruse who used her influence to breathe life into the project. She named the series Matchstick Women and spearheading the PR. Once all the right people assembled, the collective match - set aflame.
“An ignited match can’t possibly know what effects its short life will set in motion. All I Can so is pass on the flame to others in hoped they can and will carry it forward. To our Iranian sisters: Know that we are with you. See our hearts burning along side you. Sense our embrace within you. And feel as we humbly fa your flames, in are of your powers, awaiting reunion. ”
Results
The prints are 8 feet tall. Making the women appear like heroines. The final exhibition opens December 16th where audiences and patrons can view the work, read the stories and see the portrait series. The portraits are also published in the most recent issue of Fete Magazine.
The exhibition can be viewed at https://www.studiouschicago.com 4806 N Clark Street; Chicago, IL 60640
Opening Reception is this Friday December 16th at 7:30pm and is free to the public.
Shermin Kruse