FINCHÉ NON SAREMO LIBERE (UNTIL WE ARE FREE)
Brescia, Italy – In a world where women’s rights continue to be a pressing issue, an upcoming exhibition at the Santa Giulia Museum in Brescia is set to shed light on the treatment of women globally, with a particular focus on Iran. Titled “Finché non siamo libere” (Until We Are Free), this thought-provoking exhibition will run from November 11th, 2023, to January 28th, 2024.
Curated by Ilaria Bernardi, “Until We Are Free” draws inspiration from Shirin Ebadi’s renowned book, “Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran.” Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and pacifist in exile since 2009, was the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her dedication to democracy and human rights, particularly for women, children, and refugees.
The exhibition gains even greater significance as it coincides with the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist imprisoned since May 2016. Mohammadi is recognized for her tireless efforts to combat the oppression of women in Iran and promote human rights and freedom for all.
“Until We Are Free” continues the Fondazione Brescia Musei’s commitment to exploring geopolitical issues through the lens of contemporary artists. Previous chapters of this endeavor have highlighted the intersection of art and rights, featuring artists such as Zehra Doğan, Badiucao, and Victoria Lomasko.
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- Morteza Ahmadvand | Becoming, 2015
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- Soudeh Davoud | Honor, 2020
This exhibition is a testament to the museum’s dedication to promoting art as a powerful tool for expressing the enduring need to champion people’s rights, especially in today’s turbulent times.
Letizia Moratti, President of Associazione Genesi, expressed gratitude for collaborating with Fondazione Brescia Musei in envisioning this impactful exhibition. She emphasized the importance of showcasing the principles that inform the fight for women’s rights, particularly in Iran.
“Until We Are Free” opens with a video installation entitled “Becoming” (2015) by Iranian artist Morteza Ahmadvand, reflecting on the coexistence of cultures and the need to eliminate distinctions and hierarchies between nations and individuals.
The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first section features works by female artists from various geographical locations, exploring complex and often dramatic cultural, environmental, social, and political issues of our time. Iranian artists Shirin Neshat and Soudeh Davoud bridge the first section to the second and third sections of the exhibition, paying tribute to internationally acclaimed Iranian artists Farideh Lashai and Sonia Balassanian, who have never held solo exhibitions in Italy.
The exhibition concludes with a site-specific project by young Iranian artist Zoya Shokoohi, symbolizing a forward-looking approach.
“Finché non siamo libere” (Until We Are Free) explores the challenges women face in Iran and celebrates the resilience and creativity of Iranian women artists who have overcome adversity to make their mark on the international art scene. It sends a message of universal hope and empowerment to women artists worldwide.
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- Shirin Neshat | Women of Allah series 1994
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- Sonia Balassanian | 1982
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog published by Skira, featuring written texts by Omar Kholeif, Delshad Marsous (Associazione Maanà – Association of the Iranian Diaspora Association), an Iranian artist, performer, and researcher Zoya Shokoohi, available at all museum centers.
The Santa Giulia Museum in Brescia, known for its well-established exhibition program and curatorial policies, provides the ideal setting for this exhibition, which promises to leave a lasting impact nationally and internationally.
For more information and updates about the exhibition, please visit www.larafacco.com.
About Fondazione Brescia Musei:
Fondazione Brescia Musei is a public-private foundation chaired by Francesca Bazoli and directed by Stefano Karadjov. The foundation encompasses various cultural institutions, including Brixia Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia, Santa Giulia Museum, Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery, Luigi Marzoli Museum of Weapons, Leonessa d’Italia Museum of the Risorgimento, Falcone d’Italia Castle, and Cinema Nuovo Eden. Fondazione Brescia Musei is part of Rete dell’800 Lombardo, along with Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery and Leonessa d’Italia Museum of the Risorgimento. Brescia Civic Museums are also part of the particular subscription the Associazione Abbonamento Musei offers.
Cover Photo | Zoya Shokoohi | Still from the video of Crossing the border, 2021
