Cyborg Woman, by Shahram Entekhabi

Cyborg Woman, 2022

Exploring Iranian Women's Emancipation:
Shahram Entekhabi's Cyborg Woman (Watercolor on Paper, 55x45 cm.)

Shahram Entekhabi's Cyborg Woman captivates viewers with its delicate watercolor strokes on paper, measuring 55 x 45 cm. In this piece, the artist delves into the realm of Iranian women's emancipation, unveiling a profound exploration of identity structures and the intricate dynamics of "seeing and being seen."

Entekhabi's artistic oeuvre has long centered around the examination of identity and its multifaceted dimensions. Having previously explored masculinity and migration in Western contexts, the artist now embarks on a more abstract journey within Cyborg Woman. Here, he confronts a multitude of identity-related queries that pervade his creative mind, seeking to tackle them in a novel and intriguing manner.

Drawing inspiration from the concept of "masculinity as a massacre" and the influential writings of Donna Haraway in her book Time to Meet Different Species, Entekhabi contemplates the notion of "hybrid beings.". Haraway's work envisions a future where only hybrid creatures—formed by the fusion of humans, machines, animals, and plants—can hope to survive. This notion resonates within the artist's mind, prompting him to explore the abstract realm in his exploration of Cyborg Woman.

Through subtle brushwork and ethereal colors, Entekhabi invites viewers to ponder the complexities of femininity and emancipation in the Iranian context. The cyborg, a symbol of a hybrid existence, becomes a metaphorical vehicle through which the artist addresses these profound themes. In the intersection between humans and machines, a new narrative unfolds, challenging traditional boundaries and prompting contemplation of the potential futures that lie ahead.

Cyborg Woman stands as a testament to Shahram Entekhabi's commitment to examining identity and the intricate nuances of existence. Through this artwork, the artist provokes discourse on the ever-evolving nature of human experience, inviting audiences to explore the blurry boundaries between the organic and the technological, the feminine and the emancipated.