Tactical Satin

The hijab embodies a complex blend of meanings, symbolizing both conformity and defiance. When I relocated to Alabama during my adolescence, the transition to rural America marked a profound cultural shift. In Iran, wearing the hijab was customary, yet here, its significance took on new dimensions.

To explore this nuanced space between cultures, I created "Tactical Satin," a series of digital prints documenting my experiences as a woman. Seeking to adapt to my surroundings for safety, I fashioned a chādor (Iranian hijab) from Mossy Oak camouflage, emblematic of rural America. This fusion sparked inquiries about whether the hijab concealed my femininity or ethnicity and whether it elicited fear due to its association with either.