Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Donya Kavoosiaraghi

Rhythm of Defiance

This work brings together Persian miniature painting, printed imagery, and Persian carpet as layered surfaces of memory, culture, and resistance. At its center is a translated Persian poem: “We will play our music until the world dances to our rhythm; a day will come when the earth itself turns differently out of our grace.”

“My installation is developed through a process that combines cultural research, material exploration, and visual storytelling. I began by engaging with the Shahnameh, particularly focusing on poetic themes of rhythm, movement, and collective identity. The line “We will play our music until the world dances to our rhythm; a day will come when the earth itself turns differently out of our grace” guided the conceptual direction of the work, framing it as both an act of resistance and celebration.I conducted visual research into Persian miniature painting, selecting imagery that depicts dancing figures and musical gatherings. These scenes represent joy, unity, and cultural continuity, even within historical narratives often centered on conflict and power.The material choice of a rug was intentional. The rug functions as both a physical and symbolic foundation referencing domestic space, cultural heritage, and the idea of grounding identity. I used print based techniques to transfer and layer miniature imagery onto the rug’s surface, allowing traditional visuals to exist within a contemporary installation context.The process involved digital manipulation of selected miniature images, followed by printing and physical placement onto the rug. I experimented with composition by arranging figures in a way that suggests movement across the surface, echoing the idea of dance and rhythm extending beyond the frame. This layering reflects the blending of past and present, as well as personal and collective memory.Overall, my methodology is rooted in recontextualizing historical Persian visual culture through contemporary materials and spatial practice. By combining poetry, miniature imagery, and textile, I aim to create an immersive environment where viewers can experience cultural resilience, movement, and the power of artistic expression.Work cited Ferdowsi. Shahnameh. Translated by Dick Davis, Penguin Classics, 2006.”