STUDIO
SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE
a celebration of the Iranian spirit
re-imagining traditional art through the lens of gender equity & civil liberty
by Rhumi Maher
“If I die before my dog, let her see my lifeless body. She understands death. If she senses my death, she can cry for me and mourn. But if she does not see my body, she will think I abandoned her and will keep waiting for me to return. If I die before my dog, let her say goodbye to me. A dog is friendship without limits and unconditional loyalty - a part of life and a reason to live.”
Fereshte - Angel
Persian calligraphy written with dog fur felted into Kazak wool carpet
The final will and testament of Alireza Karami- written before leaving to join mass anti-government protests in Tehran. He was shot and killed by regime forces on January 9th 2026.
In Iran, the keeping of dogs as pets is prohibited. The presence of a dog in my home, a carpet covered in fur, is a blessing not afforded to so many living under imposed Sharia law.
Khorshid Khanoum - Sun Lady
digital design in metal
Khorshid Khanoum, or Sun Lady, is a central, symbolic figure in Persian art, mythology, and folklore representing warmth, beauty, renewal, strength, resilience, and goodwill toward all mankind.
Here, the words “Zan Zendegi Azadi” or "Women, Life, Freedom" radiate outward reaching us all.
Genesis
sculptural vulva made from two silk Persian carpets
The origin from which each of us emerges sculpted from a modern instance of an ancient tradition.
In the warp and weft of time, she was always there.
Azadi - Freedom
screen print on leather
A re-imagining of traditional Persian artwork through the lens of gender equity. The female figures are free and safe, enjoying nature together outside of the context of courtship or guardianship that requires male presence.
The calligraphy around the sun now reads “Zan Zendegi Azadi” which translates to “Women Life Freedom”, the unifying call of the Iranian movement for civil liberty that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini by regime forces for violating of mandatory hijab laws.
Together
embroidered textile and Persian carpet
An illustration from a book of Hafiz poetry re-created to include female figures in the expression of Sufi ritual.
Women have always played an important role in the practice and keeping of religious rite and principles, but are rarely depicted. Here, they are represented as central figures.