Opening Reception – June 28, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
Artwork on view – June 20–July 26, 2025
Gallery Hours – Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closing Reception – July 26, 2025, 5:00–7:00 PM
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, nps.gov/nebe
Artist Statement
My artistic practice revolves around fiber art, a medium that allows me to blend technique with storytelling. Textiles embody the richness of my cultural heritage vibrant with colors, patterns, and intricate craftsmanship. Deeply rooted in human civilization, fiber art reflects the essence of women’s artistry: delicate yet resilient, soft yet powerful, vulnerable yet strong.
Beyond aesthetics, my purpose lies in addressing social justice themes, fueled by my background in law. Human rights, women’s rights, and equality have become integral to my life’s work.
I use the great Cypress (Sarv) and paisley (Botteh) as metaphors for heroic women fighting for freedom and equality, in the fervor of fighting for freedom and women’s rights in Iran, courage ignited a tapestry within me. My work defies the imposition of conservative law and captures a society marked by protests and loss. Using symbols and metaphors deeply entrenched in Iranian history, my monumental sculptures now weave narratives of heroic characters, transformation, duality, and resilience. My woven tapestries embody the dichotomy of women emerging as heroes mourning lives lost while maintaining their strength.
The struggle for justice and equality weighs heavily, yet the fiery spirit endures. My artwork symbolizes the bravery, beauty, and strength of women and the younger generation challenging entrenched beliefs. It uplifts and honors resilience, refusing to portray them as victims. Through various weaving techniques, my art echoes generations of strength that transcend borders. It whispers stories of autonomy and choice, standing as a protest for freedom and equality. Threads of courage and hope stitch a narrative that transcends boundaries a call for a more compassionate world.
I characterize paisley to honor its nomadic transformation which is not straight, but rather like roaming and changing reflecting the continuous evolution of resistance and hope.
Arghavan Booyeh
The Great Cypress and Paisley سرو آزاده بته ( بته جقه )
The Cypress is a significant symbol in Iranian history and poetry. Its most important symbolic aspect
represents freedom and liberty It’s called Azadeh (liberal) because it is free from the burden of fruit and
always green. standing upright and free from all attachments. The popular Western paisley pattern, called
“Boteh Jegheh” in Farsi, can be traced back to Ancient Persia, with roots in the great Cypress. This
transformation process from Cypress to Paisley, found predominantly after the Islamic Era in Iran’s
architecture, miniatures, and significantly in textiles, has deeply inspired me. The resilience and strength of
this pattern, traveling around the world and remaining relevant, serves as a powerful metaphor for
portraying women who rise for freedom.
From the exhibition
