Useless Pillow

The backgrounds of these pillows are historical Persian miniatures from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, printed on fabric. The figures have been pulled out of the scenes and turned into hand-painted dolls. In Iran, these stories are an important source of history and myth, but they are also tales still read to children to help them fall asleep. By placing these characters on pillows, the myths enter the world of dreams. The title Useless Pillows points to a contradiction. They are pillows that record a story, but refuse to offer comfort.