<Amid Iran war, Paterson Middle East art show carries layered meaning — Art News
arrow_back Back to all stories
museum exhibitions calendar_today Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Amid Iran war, Paterson Middle East art show carries layered meaning

Tehran-born artist and human rights lawyer Sanam Ghandehari is presenting a new body of work in Paterson, New Jersey, against the backdrop of escalating military conflict in Iran. Her multi-layered pieces reflect the duality of the current crisis, juxtaposing the hope for democratic liberation with the immediate trauma of seeing her childhood home bombarded.

This exhibition highlights the role of the diaspora in processing geopolitical upheaval through visual media. By blending her legal background with her artistic practice, Ghandehari provides a localized perspective on a global crisis, illustrating how regional art shows can serve as vital platforms for cultural testimony and political expression during times of war.