Anahita Razmi
House of strength, 2012
Video + C-print
9 minutes 30 seconds +
C-Print - 40 x 70 cm
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
The video is showing the artist practicing the Iranian traditional sports Varzesh-e Bastani, which is executed in a 'Zurkhaneh' (House of Strength). Using the typical traditional equipment, the sport practice...
The video is showing the artist practicing the Iranian traditional sports Varzesh-e Bastani, which is executed in a "Zurkhaneh" (House of Strength). Using the typical traditional equipment, the sport practice in Iran is only executed by men, women are not allowed in these clubs.
Initially disturbing, this patriarchal base of the sport, the work "House of strength" replaces the male athlete with the body of the female artist. The ever repeating exercises are meanwhile reminding of a Sisyphean task.
The octagonal floor installation is referring to the shape of a typical "Zurkhaheh" ring, located somewhere between an abstract geometrical floor painting and a ring, which can be entered by the audience to follow
the video.
Initially disturbing, this patriarchal base of the sport, the work "House of strength" replaces the male athlete with the body of the female artist. The ever repeating exercises are meanwhile reminding of a Sisyphean task.
The octagonal floor installation is referring to the shape of a typical "Zurkhaheh" ring, located somewhere between an abstract geometrical floor painting and a ring, which can be entered by the audience to follow
the video.
