5. Women, Life, Freedom by Amir Teherani

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Dimensions: 60cm x 91cm

This portrait is inspired by the young women in Iran, standing up for their rights against a repressive government. The balloons represent that many of the protestors marching through the streets chanting “Women, Life, Freedom” are students and schoolgirls, not long ago attached to their childhood toys. Many of them have burned their scarves and some cut their hair in public protests against the compulsory wearing of the hijab. The balloons in this portrait are floating up into the sky, symbolising the death of childhood and of the beautiful girl herself. We are left to question what hope and what future lies for young Iranian women.

POEM by Amir Teherani

To keep up with childhood
Astonishing flight of the wind-fallen hair
Light balloons
Being heavenly
Life, freedom, being a woman
The dream of childhood memories
New drawing
Those days sketch book
The moment was hold
The little girl eyes
Full of passion, fearless
The army of those hair

Life, freedom, being a woman
To keep up with childhood

About the artist

Dabbling in photography, murals, drawing, painting and printmaking; just to name a few... this multidisciplinary visual artist's pieces evoke contemplation of our world and a sense of safety, beauty and identity.

Born and raised in Iran, Amir immigrated to Melbourne and was awarded a scholarship to study Visual Arts at Swinburne in 2017. Commencing his creative practice in Iran through studying Architecture, Amir has over 30 years of experience creating visual art, but has been pursuing his career as a professional artist in Australia for the last eight years.

Amir's motivation for creating his art is paired with his desire to form commentary on social, political and humanitarian issues. He also sources inspiration from engaging with the community and the raw beauty of nature. Amir says, "art to me is like oil in a vehicle... it's in my blood."