I was born in Iran and I am an MFA student in jewelry design and Metal art at the Academy of Art University. I try to tell a story with my work, I try to show that Taboo is still against humanity in some places around the world. I use my own experience and real stories happened ,my personal narrative comes from my emotions.
Mercede Sheybani
she/her
"My pieces are my voice, and I hope they will be part of exhibitions and galleries. And everyone can hear my voice.
Every semester I learn many things I didn't know so I am looking for an internship to learn artists’s techniques and materials they use. I have passion for learning and at same time I can work on my own projects.
I was a teacher in Iran , I felt teaching was part of me. because I felt I was in a happy place. After three years I hope to combine my passions, jewelry and teaching."
“For me, it means courage and standing against taboos is a sign of being strong and self-confident. I use my personal experience about gendering hobbies and preferences. Many people are expelled from their families and society around the world for their personal choices, such as queer nation. I made this piece for my friends in Iran to show my support and appreciate their Courage and fighting are very valuable, and I have a lot of respect for defending everyone's rights.”
What does [queerphoria] mean to you? This can be something felt, experienced, or made.
Let’s stop gendering things that do not have a gender Armour /
Silver, bronze, found objects, denim, felt and bronze wire / December 2021
“I showed my own favourite toys in different colors, silver (favorite),and bronze (not preferred). Each silver part has meaning to me.
Feminine gendered toys are in front, and mascualler gendered toys in back, and showed most of my hobbies and toys are represented in the back, but as an Iranian girl I was not allowed to have them, Florida don't say gay law reminded me those dark days in my childhood.
This piece is wearable and can be wall decor too.
When worn these pieces are like armour, protecting the wearer and defending that person's choices.
I used denim , but I put pink and blue felt in between the layers of denim. The secret is that all humans have interests that hide because of taboos.”
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
“The subject matter is queer”
Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
Let’s stop gendering things that do not have a gender Armour
What role does your studio practice play in your identity- if at all?
“My work is my voice, and I try to tell story to the viewer.”
When creating your work, do you consider the relationship your object has with the viewer?
“Yes, Armor shows that the queer wears it like a warrior against taboos.”
Let’s stop gendering things that do not have a gender Armour
“Two women have been condemned to death in Iran because of their links to the LGBTQ+ community on social media, human rights groups have reported.
Zahra Seddiqi Hamedani, 31, and Elham Choubdar, 24, were found guilty of a number of charges by a the court in Iran. Please be their voice.”
We've asked you a lot of our questions... What is one thing you would like to share?
Let’s stop gendering things that do not have a gender Armour