1979:  “Iran, a diverse country consisting of people of many religions and ethnic backgrounds cemented by the Persian culture, is home to one of the richest artistic traditions in world history. Educated and welcoming, Persians were among the first to use mathematics, geography and astronomy and also have extraordinary skills in making massive domes frequently seen in the structure of bazaars and mosques...”

2010: “The Department of State warns US citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Iran.” American citizens may be subject to harassment or arrest... detainment... volatile political climate with violent outbreaks... The US does not have diplomatic or consular relations... cannot provide protection...”

This book has been altered in a way that does not allow access to information. No matter the situation 31 years ago, those facts no longer exist. The current social, political and economic climate today presents a different world.

Mary Bennett is a conceptual artist working with book arts, printmaking and art projects that engage the public on issues of community, social justice and the environment.

Regarding her work with found materials, including vintage books, Bennett says, "It's very important for me to start with materials that have had a former life. I want them to have been something else, and I want to transform or reconfigure them to make something different. I don't care if you recognize it or not, this former life, and I almost always use text."

Boise Weekly recently called Mary Bennett a "book arts pioneer" who alters an object by "Transforming its traditional origins both emphasizing her source's former life while challenging the viewer to reconsider the same."