Woman Life Freedom
(@ Art Basel Miami)

All donations are 100% tax-deductible. EIN: 82-1439407

Located at 109 NW 29th Street in Wynwood (Miami, FL)

This mural is focused on the central theme of the female-led movement gathering strength in Iran: Woman Life Freedom.

On November 20, a group of nine Iranian diaspora women came together for a two-hour mural design brainstorming session. Each brought inspirational elements — photos, videos, patterns, colors — to share, and thus the seed of the mural was planted. Lead artist Mona Dash sketched out the mural design — which is more than 100 feet long and approximately 18 feet high. The building’s architecture lent itself to a three-section design; each section signifies a different aspect of the Iranian movement for freedom, with Iranian cultural elements interwoven throughout.

From left to right:

The first thing for the viewer to see when looking at the whole mural is the phrase “Woman, Life, Freedom” against a sky-blue background. This slogan is a powerful statement that gets to the core of what the protesters in Iran are calling for. Behind this powerful phrase is a Persian-inspired mosaic design, painted in bright hues of yellow and orange to signify the sun. In the middle of this mosaic stands an Iranian woman who looks like she is standing on the ledge. This image is a representation of the woman who stood atop a car, holding a fist in the air while flashing a peace sign, during a ceremony honoring Mahsa Amini in Saqez, Iran — and her now-iconic pose is recognized as one of TIME’s Photos of the Year.

Beyond the mosaic stand three schoolgirls. GenZ and schoolchildren have been among the most powerful protesters in the movement. Since mid-September, videos have emerged showing schoolgirls in Iran ripping down photos of the Supreme Leader, chanting protest slogans, removing their headscarves, and marching in the streets. In keeping with the norm of not showing protesters faces, these girls are depicted with their backs to the mural viewer.

From right to left:

The Persian language is read from right-to-left. Mirroring the left side of the mural, the right side of the mural says “Zan - Zendegi - Azadi” (Woman Life Freedom) above a series of protest signs that nod to common protest slogans. These slogan choices were crowdsourced from among the 60+ participants who joined in painting the mural, ensuring that people’s voices were amplified in the mural — much like their voices are amplified in an actual protest. Beyond the signs, three doves — in the Iranian flags shades of green, white, and red — are flying towards the center of the mural.

Center:

In the center of the mural lies a rainbow. This mural element is an homage to Kian Pirfalak, a 10-year old boy who who was senselessly killed by Iranian forces. Kian loved rainbows. In a home video released by his family, Kian starts off a mini-monologue by invoking a higher being; however, instead of the more common refrain of “In the name of God” Kian started with “In the name of the God of rainbows.” Thus, above the rainbow lies that phrase; below the rainbow, it says “Be their voice.” From the beginning, Iranian protesters have had one central ask for the international community: “Be our voice.”

The Woman Life Freedom mural’s call to action is clear: Be their voice. Keep talking about the brave women, girls, and allies who are leading the movement for freedom. Continue amplifying current events. Continue advocating for accountability. Continue pushing for change. Continue standing in solidarity.

For Woman, For Life, For Freedom.

~1 Minute Mural Creation Video + Behind-the-Scenes Photos

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