Anahita Sadighi presents: Woman’s Land by Forough Alaei and Kiana Hayeri

Galerie Anahita Sadighi proudly presents Woman’s Land, an exhibition that intertwines the powerful narratives of artists Forough Alaei and Kiana Hayeri. On view until April 26, 2025, this exhibition delves into the complex mechanisms of polarization while offering illuminating insights into conflict and transformation.

Both artists have gained recognition from LOBA, with Hayeri as a winner and Alaei as a shortlisted photographer. Their works serve as poignant commentaries on resistance, identity, and the enduring quest for self-determination.

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Anahita Sadighi, Schlüterstraße 16, 10625 Berlin

🎞️ The exhibition is presented in cooperation with @leica_camera @leica_camera_deutschland
and in partnership with @emopberlin

Woman’s Land: A Visual Exploration of Strength and Resistance

Forough Alaei (1989) harnesses vibrant imagery to capture acts of subtle rebellion and the transformative power of change in Iran. In the wake of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in 2022, a new wave of Iranian women has risen, their voices echoing with strength. In her evocative series, Underneath the Calm Streets of Iran, Alaei documents women who defy societal constraints—through dance, motorcycle racing, or car mechanics—each challenging norms and sparking change.

www.instagram.com/foroughalaei

Her work is characterized by bold colours, bright lighting, and stark contrasts, creating a visual language that underscores these women’s rebellious ethos. Alaei powerfully illustrates that the quest for change does not always require grand revolutions; often, it is initiated through courageous, individual acts that collectively inspire hope for a brighter future.

Kiana Hayeri (1988) shifts the focus to the lives of Afghan women, chronicling their existence before and after the Taliban’s return—a narrative previously filled with hope now shrouded by uncertainty. With the withdrawal of Western troops in the summer of 2021, Afghanistan swiftly descended into a state in which women’s rights, freedom of expression, and access to education were dismantled, effectively erasing years of progress.

www.instagram.com/kianahayeri

In her award-winning series, Promises Written on the Ice, Left in the Sun, Hayeri amplifies the voices of those marginalized in mainstream media narratives. Her photographs encapsulate stories of loss and resilience, portraying brave women who maintain their dignity amid unimaginable adversity. Hayeri’s lens confronts the multifaceted realities women inhabit, challenging one-dimensional and often distorted portrayals. Her work goes beyond documentation—it stands as a profound testament to the dignity and tenacity of women who, amidst ongoing strife, continue to champion their self-determination.

Together, the works of Alaei and Hayeri articulate that imagery can foster connection while serving as an instrument of resistance. The juxtaposition of their photographs reveals that the essence of human fortitude resides in the interplay between fear and courage, despair and hope. Woman’s Land is more than an exhibition; it is a homage to the unyielding power of female resistance and resilience.