Sooreh Hera

Hera was born in Tehran. She is a graduate of the Hague School of Fine Art. In December 2007, the Islamic Democratic Party "issued a statement calling for a mobilizing of forces." In addition, she was called a "devil artist" with "plans against Islam." These led to death threats against Hera, causing her to go into hiding. She also has a fatwa issued against her. == Work ==

Hera describes her work as exposing hypocrisy in the teachings of Islam about issues like homosexuality. She says that "I'm hoping my work will arouse discussion." In November 2007, the Hague Gemeentemuseum removed some of the works created by Hera in order to avoid upsetting the Muslim community. Despite that, the museum still considered purchasing her complete series. Hera chose not to participate in the show if some of her work was censored. Artists in the Netherlands supported Hera, publishing an open letter to the Dutch Minister of Culture in the NRC Handelsblad. Hera's work was invited to be shown at the Municipal Museum of Gouda, though the show was postponed due to threats from the Muslim community of Gouda. == References ==