Graduate Studies

Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA)

Shahrzad Amin

Sister Cities

Regarding my exploration, the concept of Sister Cities or Twin Towns can be traced back to the post-World War periods in Europe; when countries and nations ravaged by war sought peace and mutual understanding between cultures, ideas, and nationalities. Sister Cities are a cultural and business bond between two cities, states, or even countries for mutual benefits. Isfahan’s sisterhood agreement was signed in 1998, between this historical city and Italy’s Florence to promote relations between Iran and Italy, through the friendship between the two cities. The deal calls for consolidation of intimate bonds based on the two cities’ needs and stresses expansion of bilateral cooperation in the cultural, social, economic, scientific and arts fields.

“I aimed to visualize the concept of “Sisterhood” between my hometown Isfahan and Florence, specifically by using the metaphoric, connotative and symbolic meaning of bridges. Bridges represent transitions, crossing over, and sometimes the only way to reach a destination; also, bridges are a way to overcome obstacles. My favorite bridge symbol is a connection. The connection between the people and different cultures, as well as the connection between the past and the present. I aspire to use collage as a means to contextualize my thoughts and develop my ideas based on my research of the continual connection and reflection of both Florence and Isfahan today. ”