Samaneh Roghani

Perpetual Ultimatum

Photos printed on semi-transparent fabric hanging on a circular structure from the ceiling. Recording of Sorud-e barabari The equality song” (written by Samin Baghcheban, based on a poem by Maziar Samiei).
175 cm diameter, 126 cm tall

April 2022

Women are fighting for change everywhere. They fight for equality, for human rights, for the most basic rights to their own bodies! In Iran women get beaten, locked up, and killed for keeping up this fight, for raising their voices to be heard. Reaching out to one another, to the world, to future generations.

In all nations, this struggle of solidarity must and will continue as long as women are oppressed, excluded, or disadvantaged. There is no bargaining, just an ultimatum of equality!

A translation of the song’s lyrics:

I’ll sprout / Off my body’s wound / sentenced just for existing / that I am a woman, a woman, a woman

As our voices become one and / we walk alongside each other and / we join hands together and / rid ourselves of oppression

Another world / we’ll build of equality / of sisterhood and empathy / a better, happier world

No stones and starlings / none at the foot of gallows / none many times crying / no shame or disdain

Another world / we’ll build of equality / of sisterhood and empathy / a better, happier world