The TCNJ Art Gallery is hosting an exhibit featuring Iranian and Central Asian new media work.  Entitled “Parable of the Garden,” the pieces, predominantly video art, can be interpreted in various different ways, such as cultural, societal, or political commentaries.  In order to be able to relate the pieces to the native countries of the artists, one must be aware of the history of these countries.  Due to the current political climate, Iran and Central Asia are negatively stereotyped.  In particular, Iran is often misconceived to be an evil, terrorist nation.  The richness of Iranian culture is what consequently suffers.  Westerners sometimes mistakenly believe that a country of terrorists cannot possibly produce legitimate pieces of art.  The truth is actually the converse, because political climate often influences the arts.  Censorship of books has led Iranians to express their ideas through other vehicles, such as art.  Thus, Iranian art is not only beautiful but complex.  And some see complexity as an integral part of modern art.  This would lead to the conclusion that Iranians are producing legitimate, attention-worthy modern art.   I hope that “The Parable of the Garden” opens the minds of not only the TCNJ community but also the wider Mercer county community.  Iranian and Central Asian culture should get the acknowledgment and appreciation it deserves.  Exposure to these pieces will expand the community’s knowledge of this often neglected region of the world.