With social justice at its prime in this day and age, people are becoming more aware and informed about the struggles and injustices people around the world face. When Atena Farghadani, an Iranian artist and political activist who commonly depicted Iranian politicians as animals, was sentenced to 12 years and 9 months in prison for insulting Iranian parliament and spreading propaganda, the #NotACrime campaign began in New York City and London to spread awareness and show solidarity with Atena Farghadani. However, when a mural depicting her face was created in Brooklyn, New York in light of her sentence, the work was soon surrounded in controversy, highlighting many issues Americans perpetuate today as a result of the tension that still remains…show more content… The exhibition will contain only this mural and no other works of art because I want the focus to remain on Atena Farghadani, her circumstances, and Muslim women. The work will be accompanied by text to provide background information and context to prevent the same misunderstandings that occurred in Red Hook from happening again. The text will explain the purpose of the #NotaCrime campaign, provide information about the artist Faith47, and detail the circumstances surrounding Atena Farghadani’s arrest and sentence. With context, it becomes clear that the work is meant to be a symbol of free speech, the censorship in Iran, and to show solidarity with Atena Farghadani and oppressed Muslim women around the world. It represents Muslim women, their struggles, and what they are fighting for and against today. I want to make a bold statement with this exhibition: instead of silencing and censoring Atena Farghadani and other Muslim women in America, and allow her voice — their voices — to be
