Hadi Nasiri is an activist/artist/researcher whose practice spans performance, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and political protest. His work examines the relationship of religion (specifically Islam) to women’s rights, LGBTI rights, sexuality, and political ideology.
His activism includes founding an underground women’s rights organization called Afarinesh hay e-Irani in Bandar Abbas, Iran, and delivering a public speech titled “What the Qur’an Really Says About Hijab.” Both actions resulted in arrest and interrogation by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
His ongoing research explores redefined concepts of democracy, freedom, and sexuality, noting that these terms carry different meanings across societies and can contradict their intended practice in consumer-driven contexts.
Education
- AAS in Graphic Design, Shahid Rajaee, Shiraz, Iran
Professional Experience & Recognition
- Artist/researcher in residence, Flux Factory (2016) — collaborative pilot project with NYFA and Node Center for Curatorial Studies, Long Island City
- Artist in Residence, Montalvo Art Center, Saratoga, California (2012)
- Research award for comparative women’s rights study in Islamic countries (2009)
- Hormozgan Governor’s Young Entrepreneur Award for prisoner education/employment initiatives (2010)
- Iranian Young Inventor President Award for graphene-based solar panel innovation (2008)
