Now

The concept of contradiction forms the central framework of this work, the title Now; directly opposes the narrative conveyed by a 2003 news article, refering how the media’s portrayal of refugees has influenced societal perceptions and conditions surrounding migrants and refugees in contemporary society. The softness and delicacy of silk contrasts starkly with the harshness narative of the article printed upon it, which depicts refugees in a tone that reflects societal tensions. Additionally, the article is overlaid with red Farsi letters spelling the word "جرمها" (crimes), a distortion of the original word "مهاجر" (refugee). Through this symbolic manipulation, the artist Sha layers complex metaphors that question the Australian government’s treatment of refugees—a treatment at odds with the nation’s commitment as a signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which mandates the protection and care of vulnerable individuals. In Now, Sha thus highlights the disparity between governmental commitments and the lived realities faced by refugees.