WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM
The “Woman Life Freedom” installation shows the creative relationship between trauma, empathy, and design; in response to solidarity with the Iranian people while fighting against the Islamic regime for their fundamental human rights. #Mahsaamini
Agency
Niloufar Abdolmaleki, MFA Thesis Project
Practice Area
Client
UC Davis Community
Industry
The Challenge
The project’s sole challenge involves monitoring the ribbons on a weekly basis, or more frequently if necessary, to address any tangling issues caused by inclement weather conditions. Despite incorporating washers for additional weight, the project still requires periodic maintenance, particularly during windy weather.
Project Vision
The project’s vision centers on creating a participatory installation that actively involves the community in a meaningful way. By inviting participants to write basic human rights on ribbons, the installation is brought to life. The project’s overarching goal is to leverage place activation to engage and inspire community members while also communicating a powerful message about social change. The installation offers a serene and calming space that welcomes individuals as they enter and exit the building. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness about significant social movements in Iran and promote solidarity and social justice. It provides an opportunity for reflection on human rights and cultural approaches while instilling hope for a better future.
Woman Life Freedom—Installation Poster
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Woman Life Freedom Installation- Detail
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Design + Execution
Woman Life Freedom is located in an arbor structure with approximately a 400-500 Square foot rectangle. The installation consists of 600 yards of satin ribbons in green, red, and white colors as Iran’s flag representation. The height of each strip is 3 feet. 275 washers are tied at the bottom of the ribbons. Two pieces of vinyl are placed on the wall and a column within the installation area shows the project title and the prompt. A vinyl QR code is placed on a column under the instructions for people who are curious to know more about the project and it opens the didactic of the project. Project’s total cost was $170 and the execution took almost 14 hours to complete. It was on display in the cruess building’s courtyard at UC Davis for two months from November 2022- January 2023.
Woman Life Freedom Installation- Detail- Night view
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Woman Life Freedom Installation
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Woman Life Freedom- Installation Process
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Woman Life Freedom- Installation Process
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Woman Life Freedom Installation- Night View
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Project Details
The simplicity of the installation is what makes this piece so powerful, allowing those experiencing it to become part of the story. The installation expresses empathy and connection to what is happening in Iran, in hopes of winning their fight for human rights. Beautifully done.
An effective use of limited materials to transform a space at a grand gesture and an intimate read—it invites. Culturally relevant participation connects visitors to the Iranian conflict on an individual level.
Design Team
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Collaborators
Brett Snyder, Tim McNeil (professors)
Photo Credits
Niloufar Abdolmaleki
Open Date
October 2022