SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE

a celebration of the Iranian spirit

She Was Always There is a re- imagining of traditional Iranian art through the lens of gender equity & civil liberty. Simultaneously, the collection invites us into the past & future. These pieces highlight social artifacts of ancient heritage & place them once more into the aspirational shape of a future that is ours to reclaim.

“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.”

-Alireza Karami January, 8th 2025

Fereshte - Angel

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 8th 2025.

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 religious law.

Persian calligraphy rendered in dog fur, felted into Kazakh wool carpet, 2026, 4'x6', NFS

Khorshid Khanoum

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.

first edition digital design in metal, 2026, 3' diameter, available

Genesis

The origin from which each of us emerges sculpted from a contemporary expression of an ancient tradition.

In the warp and weft of time, she was always there.

silk Persian carpets, sculptural textile work, 2026, 5' x 7', NFS

Azadi

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.

first edition screen print on leather, 2026, 4' x 3', available

Together

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.

textile bordered with Persian carpet, 2026, 5' x 7', available

about the artist

for exhibition inquiries & pricing contact hey@yaniche.com