"The Sin" No2

The narrative of this artwork is a poetic, feminine, and political statement, reflecting the
experiences of a displaced person in search of belonging in the Australian context.
Drawing inspiration from the provocative poem " The Sin" by the feminist Persian artist and
poet Forough Farrokhzad, this artwork boldly challenges social conventions and
celebrates the freedom of expression, particularly for women in a restrictive society.
" The Sin" by Forough Farrokhzad openly describes a carnal engagement and its impact
on readers and critics, both within and outside Iran, lies in its unapologetic defiance
against the societal norms and condemnation typically imposed on those who dare to
commit such "sins," especially if the transgressor is a married woman. The poem's
simplicity, conveyed through connected doublets in six concise stanzas, featuring
repetition and employing common or unexpected figures of speech and literary devices,
allows the reader to explore the depths of this transgressive act.
This artwork portrays a rebellious female figure, characterized by a powerful gaze and
posture, while notably lacking a mouth—an intentional symbol signifying the ongoing
struggle for women's rights and freedom of speech in Iran. Fearless and proud of her
actions, the figure boldly displays her uncovered head and shoulders as an act of protest
against the oppressive regime of Iran. Her naked body, adorned with a bandage bearing a
printed excerpt of the poem, serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience
of those who challenge the status quo.
The image transformation within this artwork seeks to convey the concept of
fragmentation, drawing inspiration from Persian architecture and tilework. By juxtaposing
elements of Persian art and Farrokhzad's rebellious poetry, this piece invites viewers to
contemplate the multifaceted layers of defiance, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom in
the face of societal constraints.
In summary, " Defiance Unveiled" is a striking visual representation of the convergence of
poetic, feminine, and political narratives. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of
those who dare to break free from societal expectations and embrace their own truths,
even in the most challenging circumstances. Through this artwork, we invite you to explore
the complex interplay of individuality, freedom, and the quest for belonging in a world that
often seeks to confine and suppress.

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Maryam Attar Bashi is a Melbourne-based visual artist specialising in immersive installation and expanded painting practices. Born in Ahvaz, Iran (1981), she relocated to Australia in 2005, where she pursued her studies in graphic design at Enmore Design Centre and later completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at Deakin University.

Maryam has recently completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at RMIT University, marking a significant evolution in her practice from graphic design to contemporary fine art. Her work focuses on creating immersive environments that explore themes of feminism, activism, diaspora, and the socio-political realities of her homeland, Iran.

Drawing from personal experience, Maryam critically engages with issues surrounding women’s rights, gender inequality, and the impact of religious and cultural systems. Her practice often incorporates self-representation as a performative strategy, positioning herself simultaneously as subject and creator to express lived experiences of displacement, resistance, and resilience.

Working across installation, painting, and drawing, her projects confront dominant narratives and challenge entrenched gender stereotypes. Through layered materials, symbolic elements, and spatial interventions, she constructs emotionally charged environments that invite reflection on identity, power, and freedom.

Maryam has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions and is recognised as an award-winning artist.