Shirin Neshat on lockdown, activism, and the role of artists in crisis
In an interview with Leonardo Bigazzi, Iranian artist Shirin Neshat (born 1957) discusses the heightened importance of artists—especially those from marginalized communities, immigrants, and African Americans—having a voice during the COVID-19 lockdown and protests. The interview accompanies the online screening of her film "Looking for Oum Kulthum" on June 11 at 9 PM (available for 24 hours) as part of the Lo Schermo dell'Arte festival. The event supports the Artists' Film Italy Recovery Fund, a GoFundMe campaign running until June 15 to fund original video works by young Italian artists. Neshat describes feeling trapped between being a citizen and an artist, questioning how to help, give voice to responsibilities, and show solidarity with the Black community and others facing discrimination. The full interview will be available after the film screening on the virtual cinema platform Più Compagnia, the online venue of Cinema La Compagnia in Florence.
Key facts
- Shirin Neshat gave an interview to Leonardo Bigazzi during lockdown.
- The interview accompanies the online screening of her film 'Looking for Oum Kulthum'.
- The screening is on June 11 at 9 PM, available for 24 hours.
- The event is part of the Lo Schermo dell'Arte festival.
- It supports the Artists' Film Italy Recovery Fund on GoFundMe until June 15.
- The fund supports original video works by young Italian artists.
- Neshat emphasizes the need for artists, especially from marginalized groups, to have a voice.
- The full interview is available after the film on Più Compagnia, the virtual cinema of Cinema La Compagnia in Florence.
Entities
Artists
- Shirin Neshat
- Leonardo Bigazzi
Institutions
- Lo Schermo dell'Arte
- Artists' Film Italy Recovery Fund
- GoFundMe
- Cinema La Compagnia
- Più Compagnia
Locations
- Florence
- Italy