Luke Perry: The Strength of the Hijab (2023)
An inscription at the base of the above sculpture reads:
"It is a woman's right to be loved and respected whatever she chooses to wear.
Her true strength is in her heart and mind."
News just in ...
It seems that Iranian MPs have approved the trial implementation of a new mandatory hijab law; a law under which women who refuse to wear the headcovering can face harsh punishments, including a lengthy prison spell of up to ten years.
However, as the authorities point out, most women who flout or break the new law, will probably just receive a fine - and possibly a flogging, to ensure future compliance.
The same authorities warn businesses of closure and other serious consequences if they are found to
be providing services to women dressed in an improper manner. Patrols by the so-called morality police are to be stepped up, so that a close eye can be kept on shopkeepers who might dare to sell an unveiled woman some figs.
Iranian authorities are also investing heavily in smart cameras that use
facial-recognition technology, according to women's rights
activists inside the country.
This comes one year after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, who had been detained for allegedly
wearing the Islamic headscarf incorrectly. Her death - after allegedly
being beaten by police - led to a wave of popular unrest in Iran.
Even the UN are describing the new law - which was vetted by Iran's Guardian Council, a powerful body comprising of twelve men and headed by a recently re-elected 97-year-old cleric - as an attempt to forcibly implement gender apartheid.
Now, I'm no Islamic scholar, but I think we can agree that this is not a great idea in practice, for either men or women.
Meanwhile, in other news ...
A new sculpture - believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world - will be unveiled in the Smethwick area of Birmingham next month, celebrating women who wear hijabs.
Designed by the English artist Luke Perry, the monumental (rather grim-faced) five metre tall steel piece is entitled Strength of the Hijab.
Without any trace of irony, Perry has declared the work will empower the veiled woman by making her more visible. It will also, apparently, help her to feel happy and heroic, as well as more confident and comfortable with her own identity.
While Perry acknowledged that his new sculpture could be viewed as controversial for many different reasons, he dismissed these as invalid and said critics of his work simply wished to deny difference and divide communities.
Now, I'm no art critic, but I think we can all agree that Mr. Perry is an idiot.
