Virtual Exhibition 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Supports Iranian Protests with 50 Anonymous Artists

Mozaik Philanthropy, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, has organized a virtual 3D exhibition titled 'Woman, Life, Freedom' featuring 50 anonymous artists from around the world. The digital landscape recreates Tehran's Azadi Square, with the Azadi Tower as a backdrop. The exhibition responds to the Iranian regime's crackdown following the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022, who was arrested for improperly wearing a hijab. The project emerged from the foundation's Future Arts Awards, which received 500 submissions between October and November 2022. A jury including Iranian artist Arghavan Khosravi and activist Neda Nobari selected the final works. Over half of the selected artists are from Iran, and 80% of the works were created by women. Each artist received a $1,000 prize. The exhibition features photography, paintings, drawings, graphic animations, illustrations with poetic texts, and audio and video recordings, many focusing on female figures and protest symbols like hair cutting. One work imagines a Time magazine cover with Iranian women as 'Person of the Year.' The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco projects the artworks onto its facade nightly after sunset. The initiative aims to amplify artistic messages for freedom and show solidarity with the Iranian people.