Selected poster in the United States International Poster Biennial in 2023. Exhibited in national exhibitions across the USA, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, and Massachusetts.
Among all categories in USIPB, The theme of inclusion resonated deeply with me, prompting me to explore its various dimensions. After brainstorming and mind mapping, I settled on focusing on feminism, specifically women's issues in the Iranian context.
Exploring Main Categories: I began by examining the contest's main categories: Social, Cultural, and Animated. While each category intrigued me, the theme of Inclusion stood out the most. Inclusion emphasizes the value of every individual, and I wanted to explore how feminism aligns with this concept.
Feminism and Inclusion: Recognizing the strong connection between feminism and inclusion, I focused on the challenges women face and their fight for equal rights. Women's empowerment resonated strongly with the theme of inclusion, highlighting the need to create a culture that embraces diversity and equality.
Taking Inspiration from Iranian Women: Within the broad scope of feminism, I honed in on the issues faced by Iranian women and the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. To capture the essence of their struggle and draw attention to their stories, I chose the poignant and powerful tagline "Say her name." This phrase served as a rallying cry, urging society to acknowledge and remember the hardships faced by Iranian women.
Exploring Visual Concepts: As I brainstormed visual concepts to convey the theme of inclusion and feminism, I initially considered representing the tagline with strands of hair in various colors, symbolizing the diversity and unity of women from different races and backgrounds. However, upon further consideration, I realized that this approach did not effectively convey my central idea and purpose. It became evident that I needed to rethink my visual strategy.
Incorporating Persian Patterns: Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Iran, I decided to incorporate Persian patterns into my design. This choice aimed to not only represent the Iranian culture but also serve as a reminder that we should never forget or forgive the injustices and exclusions faced by women. The intricate patterns would symbolize resilience and the unbreakable spirit of those fighting for inclusion and equality.
Finalizing the Composition: With the selection of Persian patterns, I dedicated myself to refining the composition of the poster. Considering the sensitivity of the message, I carefully chose the appropriate font and layout to ensure that the poster resonated with viewers. I referred to the works of Iranian graphic designers, creating a mood board that captured the essence of their style and technique. This research helped me strike a balance between the visual appeal of the poster and its capacity to convey the underlying message effectively.(Inspiration posters by Home Delvaray)
Long Beach Design District
October 2023
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Curated by: Olga Severina