Virtual Exhibition Features 50 Artists Who Are Protesting the Humanitarian Crisis in Iran
Many of the artists chose to be anonymous in fear of security concerns within Iran.
Los Angeles non-profit Mozaik Philanthropy has launched an online 3D exhibition featuring 50 artists who created work in protest of the human rights abuses currently transpiring in Iran. Entitled WOMAN. LIFE. FREEDOM., to match the slogan of the woman-led movement, the artists on view were chosen out of a pool of over 500 entries submitted late last year and reviewed by a panel that included Iranian artist Arghavan Khosravi and Mozaik Philanthropy founder, Neda Nobari.
As part of Mozaik’s fifth annual Future Art Awards, the 50 artists chosen were granted $1000 USD each — over 80% of which are women. “All the artwork is shown anonymously out of sensitivity for the severe security concerns for the artists inside Iran and in solidarity with all those who have and continue to risk their lives for freedom,” the foundation said in a statement.
Initially founded back in 2007 as the Neda Nobari Foundation, the organization has since rebranded into Mozaik Philanthropy and shifted its focus to “democratize grant-making in the arts by supporting artists impacted by the pandemic,” said Keely Badger, the foundation’s executive director.
The virtual exhibition itself is a digitally immersive showcase where viewers can roam around Tehran’s Azadi Tower, while viewing each of the 50 artworks, which also includes animations and video-based work.
