Ashraf and Pedram Pirnia
The Female Gaze and How It Shapes Our World
This May, Toi Pōneke Gallery presents a compelling mother-son exhibition that reclaims vision and voice through the powerful mediums of painting and photography. Featuring the evocative work of Ashraf Pirnia and Pedram Pirnia, this showcase dives into deep introspection and feminist resistance, amplifying silenced voices and uncovering layers of identity, truth, and transformation.
Ashraf Pirnia’s striking paintings explore the silent struggles and transformative power of inclusion. Her bold, layered compositions celebrate the vital role women play in shaping the future, reminding us that without their voices, the world remains incomplete and unbalanced. Each brushstroke tells a story of resilience and defiance, urging change and championing the profound impact women have in creating a more just, equitable world.
Pedram Pirnia’s photography shines a light on the silenced rights of women, capturing raw moments of defiance, resilience, and self-determination. With the stark contrast of light and shadow, his images confront erasure, reclaiming space, and amplifying the powerful narratives of women asserting their autonomy. Through his lens, the power of women’s voices is not only heard but made visible.
Together, their work forms a powerful call for visibility, representation, and autonomy. This exhibition is not merely an artistic display—it is a powerful act of witnessing and an urgent testament to the unstoppable force of women shaping the world
Opening Function
5:45 - 8:15pm, Thurs 8 May
Panel Discussion chaired by Gill Greer.
Panelists include Tanya Ruka (PhD candidate), Maddie Brooks Gillespie, Professor Kiren Thathiah, Dr Pushpa Wood and Julie Haggie. Together, they explore how voice, vision, and artistic expression become powerful tools for personal and collective change.
