The first impression received is one of oppression, it seems as though the woman feels oppressed and her eyes are very bleak. The gun may symbolise oppression as it is not necessarily the subject who is holding the gun but possibly an aggressor. The gun could also be considered a symbol for warfare, possibly in Shirin Neshat 's country, Iran. There is also a strong sense of religion involved in the painting, Neshat is wearing the Muslim clothing and where her face is supposed to be covered is the writing. …show more content…
Born in the middle of the twentieth century into a wealthy family in Iran. Her parents, particularly her father, worshiped western culture and in doing so, sent Neshat to a Catholic boarding school - Neshat recalls the school as being cold hearted. Neshat left Iran slightly before it 's revolution for Los Angeles to study art. Upon the revolution (into a strictly Islamic state), Neshat 's parents, who planned to retire, were left without welfare and put on a minute