Nika Shahkarami’s Cenotaph | تهی‌گور نیکا شاه‌کرمی

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چوب سوخته، برنج، طلق شیشه‌ای، فولاد و یادگارهای نیکا

خانه‌ و کارگاه آتش شاه‌کرمی در تهران


2023

Brass, burnt wood, plexiglass, steel, Nika‘s belongings

Nika’s aunt’s home and studio in Tehran

Golshiri’s sculpture integrate multilingual representations of the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” in languages that resonate widely across Iran, including Farsi, Kurdish, Azeri, Balochi, and Arabic. This choice underscores the universal appeal and inclusivity of the movement, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural tapestry of Iran. Each sculpture also incorporates the name of a specific victim, personalising the memorial and directly confronting the erasure of their identity and story by state authorities.

The artwork dedicated to Nika Shahkarami, a young protester whose death became emblematic of the regime’s brutality, exemplifies Golshiri’s approach. In a poignant tribute, Golshiri’s diptych includes both an epitaph and a sculpture, with both being used in a cenotaph that is housed at Nika’s aunt’s home and studio in Tehran, where Nika lived. The cenotaph not only serves as a private sanctuary but also hosts the personal belongings of Nika.

Moreover, the epitaph designed for Nika Shahkarami has transcended its physical form to become a symbol of resistance and remembrance beyond Iran’s borders. It was used in various global cities to mark the first anniversary of her killing, signalling the international reach and solidarity of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.