We were thirsty for some form of beauty, even in an incomprehensible, overintellectual, abstract film with no subtitles and censored out of recognition. There was a sense of wonder at being in a public place for the first time in years without fear or anger, being in a place with a crowd of strangers that was not a demonstration, a protest rally, a breadline or a public execution...For a brief time we experienced collectively the kind of awful beauty that can only be grasped at through extreme anguish and expressed through art.
📖 Azar Nafisi
The quote reflects a deep yearning for beauty amidst chaos and despair, highlighting the powerful impact that art can have in difficult times. The author describes attending a film that, despite its abstract nature and lack of subtitles, offered a sense of wonder and beauty. This experience stands in stark contrast to the shared trauma of recent years dominated by fear, protests, and public suffering, making the moment feel particularly significant and precious.
Nafisi emphasizes the collective experience of finding solace in art, suggesting that such moments can evoke profound feelings of beauty even when surrounded by anguish. The fleeting nature of this experience in a public space captures a rare opportunity for connection and reflection, reminding us of the transcendent power of art to elevate our spirits in the darkest of times.
