Borders and Boundaries

The 'Borders and Boundaries' episode of 'Call Your Girlfriend' begins with hosts Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman expressing their admiration for artist Shirin Neshat and her influential work. Ann recalls her first encounter with Neshat's video art piece 'Turbulent,' which left a profound impact on her with its portrayal of gendered experiences and artistic expression in Iran. Aminatou reminisces about the 'Women of Allah' photo series, which challenged her to think about the gaze of Muslim women and the cultural landscape in the Middle East, especially post-9/11. The hosts discuss Neshat's retrospective exhibit in Los Angeles, which they highly recommend visiting, and then transition into Ann's conversation with the artist herself, held at The Broad museum.

During the interview, Neshat delves into the genesis of 'Turbulent,' explaining how it critiques the prohibition of women singing in public in Iran and the broader themes of feminism, rebellion, and defiance in her work. She discusses her creative process, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and the subversive use of hidden language to navigate censorship and political repression. Neshat shares her journey as an artist, from her initial self-doubt and the impact of the Iranian Revolution on her work, to her eventual return to art after a transformative visit to Iran. She also talks about her experience with the Storefront for Art and Architecture, where she supported other artists' visions.

The conversation shifts to Neshat's more recent work, which addresses the political climate in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration. She describes her project 'Land of Dreams' as a satirical critique of the tensions between Iran and the U.S. and the absurdity of their mutual demonization. Neshat also touches on the challenges she faces working with actors from Iran due to her controversial reputation and the fear of government retribution. Finally, Neshat speaks about the selection process for the retrospective exhibition, the ideological parallels she sees between the Iranian and U.S. governments, and the role of artists in inspiring and mobilizing people without resorting to propaganda.