The artwork titled “Stripped” by Shirin Neshat, created in 1996, is a prominent piece within the Contemporary and Feminist Art movements. This photograph belongs to the “Women of Allah” series, which is known for exploring themes related to the roles and identities of Muslim women.
In “Stripped,” the viewer encounters a hauntingly powerful image of a veiled woman with hands covering her face. The subject’s forearms, hands, and fingers are adorned with intricate calligraphy and patterns which likely hold significant cultural and symbolic meanings. The juxtaposition of traditional Islamic writing and the visible parts of the woman’s concealed identity serves to provoke reflections on themes such as gender, identity, and societal expectations. The monochromatic scheme enhances the solemn, contemplative nature of the photograph, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the layered narratives that Neshat intricately weaves through her art.
