O Gallery Reopens Amidst Controversy: Iran's Artistic Community Divided on Pro-Democracy Movement

Tehran's O Gallery, one of Iran's leading visual art venues, reopened its doors for an exhibition by three female artists after a six-week closure in support of the pro-democracy demonstrations in October. The decision triggered an immediate backlash with the gallery being doused in red paint.

The owner, Orkideh Daroodi, was accused of normalizing the situation in Iran, but she stated, "Our lives have not become normal and none of us are the same as we were before. How can anyone help the protest movement by not working?” The country's artistic community remains divided on how to support the pro-democracy movement and engage with the country's establishment.

While restaurants, shops, and cinemas have mostly stayed open, concerts have largely ceased, and a thriving protest art scene has emerged in music, videos, and cartoons. Some gallery owners are expected to hold exhibitions after the Persian New Year holiday in March, but others are fearful of disruption from protesters.

The state-run Fajr Film Festival has also stirred controversy, with some leading performers and directors supporting a boycott. The regime is increasing pressure on artists and celebrities to stay out of politics, and the parliament is pushing for a new law aimed at preventing allegations against the regime.

Despite the calmer atmosphere in Tehran, acts of political resistance continue, with one O Gallery artist offering to let visitors tear apart her works as a form of protest. Daroodi said the gallery has turned into a new refuge for artists, "It is the atmosphere that matters now, not necessarily what’s hung on the walls. Why should we deprive ourselves of the few private safe spaces left to gather and talk about art and everything else?”