For Your Own Good

For Your Own Good is a project that explores the paradox of societal "protection" imposed on women, particularly in the context of Iranian culture. Women’s identities are often concealed behind layers of beautiful, decorative fabrics—floral patterns, ornate coverings—all designed to hide them in the name of "for your own good." The contradiction lies in the fact that while these coverings may seem delicate and elegant, they serve to erase women’s presence, relegating them to invisibility. To embody this concept, I turn to Persian rugs, traditionally rich in symbolism and beauty. By using these rugs to cover women, I both honor their artistry and draw attention to the way they mask women’s true selves. The ultimate irony is that, no matter how intricate or beautiful, a rug is inevitably stepped on, much like how society, no matter how lovely its facade, steps on and disregards women. As an Iranian woman, this paradox resonates deeply with me, as it reflects my own lived experience—where beauty is used to disguise a harsh reality, and where women are often silenced and unseen.