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Shirin Neshat

Ghada, from the series Our House is on Fire

2013

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  • Artist Shirin Neshat (Iranian, b. 1957)
  • Title Ghada, from the series Our House is on Fire
  • Date 2013
  • Medium Digital pigment print
  • Edition description 39/50
  • Dimensions image | 23 15/16 x 15 9/16 in.
    sheet | 25 1/1 x 17 9/16 in.
  • Credit line Gift of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, 2016
  • Object number WU 2016.0001.0001

1/7/2016 (date received)
Christy MacLear, Executive Director

Inscription “A Cry” by Mehdi Akhavan Sales My house is on fire, soul burning, Ablaze in every direction. Carpets and curtains threaded to dust. Within the smoke of this raging fire I sob, run to each corner Shout, scream, yelp With the voice of a sad howl and bitter laughter. My house is on fire, a merciless fire, Burns without respite, All images drawn with my blood on every door and wall. in this damned and endless night Burn and burn every blossom I grew with much hardship in these open urns. And here come my enemies on their roof tops with their guileful victorious smirks As I watch the burning flames in the protection of the night. I run every direction, sobbing from this injustice. I shout, scream, cry! And the fire keeps on raging, burning all memories, books and manuscripts, all landscapes and views. putting out the fire with my blistering hands, I pass out with its roar. As the fire rages from yet another direction circled in smoke. who will ever know as my being turns into the non being by the sunrise. While these kind neighbors of mine are happily sleeping in their bed by dawn all that will be left of me is a feast full of dust. Alas, would any of these kind neighbors rise in help As this cruel fire burns my foundation I shout, scream, cry!

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