Female Tear Gas

No stranger to conflict, Iranian street artist Nafir took his name, which translates to scream, from an old book of Rumi poetry. The artist repeatedly references traditional Iranian textiles and patterns in his work while engaging with political subjects. Since his art form of choice is illegal in his home country, stencils allow him to work fast and avoid prosecution. Even though the Iranian authorities usually erase his works within 24 hours, Nafir continues with what he calls his fight against oppression. In this work, the artist recalls his own experience of being sprayed with tear gas during a demonstration in Tehran.