Woman

The strong Ukrainian women on the front line embody the embodiment of a warrior, a nurturer, and a visionary. Their strength transcends physical prowess, radiating from within their spirit. She stands tall, fighting for the values and principles that define identity, all while balancing the weight of familial love upon her shoulders. A KALTBLUT exclusive. Words by Zoe Guttenplan.

In their unwavering determination and selflessness, she personifies the triumph of the human spirit. Their legacy will forever resonate, serving as a testament to the unyielding power of women and their immeasurable contributions
to society.

Sepehr Badiei, an artist of Iranian-Egyptian heritage, made the courageous decision to leave Iran during the revolution. They embarked on a journey that took them to Pakistan before eventually finding a new home in New Zealand as a refugee.

In Sepehr’s eyes, beauty possesses a remarkable ability to convey messages and create an impact. Through their artistic creations, they aspire to inspire others to delve deeper into global affairs and gain a broader understanding of the world. Presently, Sepehr has established its base in East London, where they continue to pursue their artistic endeavours.

Their work draws inspiration from the indomitable spirit of women in Iran and around the world. Through a captivating series of photographs captured by Morgan White as a tribute to their strengths, Badiei portrays the resilience, community, and potential of women, even in the face of pervasive oppression.

They envision beauty as a potent medium for conveying messages, and I aspire for this collection to ignite curiosity in others, encouraging them to delve deeper into global affairs.
Drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of women in Iran and worldwide, unity, and boundless potential amid prevailing oppression.

In one set of images, model Sarah Q embodies the symbolic cypress tree, revered in Persian culture as a representation of the tree of life and reincarnation. Adorned with branches entwined with hair collected from women and trans women worldwide, Sarah exudes a serene power that emanates from the images, showcasing the collective possibilities that arise from the unity of women across the globe.

Complementing this narrative, Greek dancer and model Dafni Krazoudi represent fire. In Zoroastrian tradition, fire is associated with purity, and Badiei expertly incorporates symbols from various Persian traditions, including the fire gods revered by Assyrians. These breathtaking images, conceived by creative director Sepehr Badiei, shed light on the diverse stories of women from Iran and beyond. Through this series, Badiei challenges monolithic Western perceptions of Iranian women, fostering a connection between his homeland and the rest of the world while propelling the culture into a modern era.

By focusing on the beauty inherent in tales of female strength, Badiei aims to shift the narrative and highlight the enduring power and resilience of women.