Many artists in Iran have two careers: a public one, and a secret one. They exhibit pieces that they know wouldn’t make it past official scrutiny at underground galleries. However, even there, they are increasingly walking on eggshells.

In Iran, artists must apply for permits before being allowed to display their work publicly. Subjects that are political in nature or considered un-Islamic – for example women without veils, or nudes – have no chance of making it into an exhibit, and can get artists in trouble with the authorities.

Initially published on France24 on 03/11/2014
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