My father was a doctor, but he was what I would call an intellectual - very well-read and very interested in knowledge. He insisted that I get as much education as my brothers. Shirin Neshat brothercalldoctor Change image and share on social
There is nothing negative about a group of people crying out for democracy - and if my voice counts, I will be vocal. Shirin Neshat countcrydemocracy Change image and share on social
Magical realism allows an artist like myself to inject layers of meaning without being obvious. In American culture, where there is freedom of expression, this approach may seem forced, unnecessary and misunderstood. But this system of communication has become very Iranian. Shirin Neshat americanapproachartist share on social
Every Iranian artist dreams of the black market. We don't care about making money. Shirin Neshat artistblackcare Change image and share on social
Being political is an integral part of being Iranian. Our lives are defined by politics. Shirin Neshat defineintegraliranian Change image and share on social
I'm really interested in social justice, and if an artist has a certain power of being heard and voicing something important, it's right to do it. It could still be done in such a way that it's not aggressive or overly didactic. I'm trying to find that form. Shirin Neshat aggressiveartistdidactic share on social
I think of myself, an Iranian/American artist, and wonder what would I want if I'm ever imprisoned by the Iranian government for the work that I make? I answer: I would hope that the United States government comes to my rescue. Shirin Neshat americananswerartist share on social
The first years of my life in the U.S. were very difficult. Shirin Neshat difficultlifeyear Change image and share on social
I believe we don't need to widen the divide between the West and Islam. Rather, we need to build dialogue to encourage tolerance and respect. Shirin Neshat builddialoguedivide Change image and share on social
