“Untitled" by Maryam Hafizirad— from the Painful Rebirth exhibition

Artist: Maryam Hafizirad

Material: Ostich Egg, Ceramic, Acrylic Paint

Artist Statement : 

"Untitled"

This work depicts a fish with a human face, representing a Deaf Persian woman navigating identity and survival. The red terrain surrounding her becomes her cultural landscape, holding both identity, and tension. 

The fish body suggests movement and survival, but also restriction within an environment that is not fully free. She is fighting for her freedom, voice, and self-determination. Her calm face carries strength, even within pressure.

The golden hand holding her becomes a gesture of care and protection. It reminds us that freedom is not only a personal fight, but also something we hold for each other.

As a Deaf artist, I think about communication beyond sound, through the body, image and presence. This work reflects resilience, identity, and an ongoing search for freedom.