Australian artist and lawyer Shadi Eshragi has felt the lash of religious persecution.
When she was six-years-old, Shadi was expelled in front of her entire school, because of her faith.
And she remembers the phone call from her mother telling her that her grandmother’s grave had been desecrated, all because of her religious affiliation.
Now the Sydney artist has taken the opportunity to use her creative talents to highlight similar cases that are happening right now in Iran to members of her religion, the Baha’i Faith.
Together with other Australian artists Maryam Master, Leila Barbaro and Mehrzad Mumtahan, she is exhibiting works that in their beauty convey the nobility and courage of those facing persecution for their ideals.
All four of the artists have either experienced persecution themselves in Iran or currently have friends and family who are facing persecution and imprisonment by the regime.
Describing the exhibition, Ms Eshragi said “for me this exhibition is not ultimately about persecution, it’s about love, faith and transcendence”.
The Crimson Ark exhibition was launched by Brendan Penzer, Managing Director of At the Vanishing Point-Contemporary Art Inc. on 15 December at the gallery, 565 King St Newtown. The exhibition will continue until 23 December 2012.
Among the VIPs attending were:
- Hon. Philip Ruddock, MP for Berowra
- Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC representing NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell,
- Clr Emanuel Tsardoulias, Deputy Mayor of Marrickville
- Dr Keith Suter, Global affairs commentator and broadcaster
Speaking at the exhibition on behalf of NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, Catherine Cusack said the exhibition was about a situation beyond the imagination of Australians –“and that is why it is so incredibly important.”
“It speaks the truth about injustice and oppression and it is moving in its authenticity, with each artist testifying through their work on the basis of personal experience,” Ms Cusack said.
“Although the exhibition exposes a terrifying oppression on the other side of the planet, it is, I think, very Australian the way in which the artists have banded together, shared, drawn upon their creativity and skill using their art to speak, in their words, directly to our emotions.
“Even in the worst of times, even the worst acts of man against another man, actually you see the incredible nobility which man possesses as well–values like steadfastness, forgiveness and I would say optimism as well.
“Because people who are victims of oppression, who have been stripped of everything, from their comforts to their rights, still have hope — what an inspiration that is to each and every one of us with our own tribulations”
Ms Cusack said the Premier is “a great admirer of this community and very honoured to have be invited to such a distinguished event.”
At the Vanishing Point-Contemporary Art Inc. is open 10am- 6pm Thursday- Sunday.
View the official photos from the launch and the exhibition.
Photos courtesy of Bobby Aazami & Fiona Gohari-Aazami