Chat
Sequins and glass bead knitting on canvas, 165 x 220 cm, 2003
Chat bases on a dialog found in Tehran University’s chat pages. It is a very typical example of myriads of the same kind of conversations. It has been forbidden to arrange parties for the both sexes in Iran after the Islamic Revolution 1979. However, virtual space offers a possibility to evade the law. Despite of new technology finding a companion is not self-evident. Girl answers in conversation according to thousand years old cultural practise: no any contact information. Sequin knitting technique is traditionally used for writing the Koran’s texts. In Chat this same time consuming technique is used to write down momentary and flashy conversation, which has not meant to be remembered by anyone.
boy: hello
girl: hello
boy: am I disturbing you?
girl: no, but now you are…
boy: ok, now a/s/l please?
girl: Asal, Tehran (West Shahrake), 19 years, you?
boy: Amir Ali / 24 / Tehran, do you have a photo?
girl: if I had, I wouldn’t give it to you
boy: as you want, what are you studying?
girl: computers (Tehran University), you?
boy: I finished my studies, now I’m writing my final year project
girl: ye, ye, good luck
boy: thanks darling. I’ll give you my number, do you promise to call me?
girl: you can give, but I don’t promise anything!!!
boy: ok, 091321 I’m waiting for your call
girl: now…
boy: I’m waiting and I love you, bye
girl: bye