“Oriental Drag” is a stop motion that consists of one-thousand photographs. The poses in each image are inspired by hip hop, vogue, and traditional Iranian dancing.The melange of fragmented poses and dance styles creates a new hybrid dance.Further, the visibility and construction of the studio space is synonymous with the construction of cultural identity. Rah wants to challenge the stereotypical and dehumanizing images often see in visual culture and by including the studio space the viewer is made aware of the constructed image. Rah also uses many cultural motifs seen in Persian art: dancing, rug, and sheesha pipe adorned with red jewels and a small decorative tea set.
Music: Ashley Gauthier
Studio Assistant: Sasha Vreca
Oriental Drag Excerpt