Painting by Maryam Safajoo · Welcome to the Nobel Prize Laureate Collection

ID-nummer

2024.003.001

Titel

Painting by Maryam Safajoo

Publik beskrivning

The subject of the painting "A Multitude of Separations" by the artist Maryam Safajoo is Narges Mohammadi and her two children, from whom she was separated during her time in prison. It was made after talking to people who are close to Mohammadi. Safajoo cites a letter from Mohammadi, written in prison:

“More than 8 years have passed since I last laid eyes on Kiana and Ali, and it's been a year and a half since their voices graced my ears. When they departed, they were merely 8 years old; now, they stand at the ripe age of 16. The moment I bid farewell to Ali and Kiana felt akin to a personal demise amidst the lush, tree-adorned courtyard of Evin. I meticulously gathered dandelions from the expansive stretch of Evin's garden. Standing barefoot on the July 14 asphalt, my feet scorched while my heart blazed with fervor. I released the dandelions into the sky, their hands, feet, and innocent countenances fading from my sight as my tears flowed like the gentle rain of spring descending upon the earth. If I peer at the prison through the window of my heart, I have become an estranged soul, more foreign than any outsider, to my beloved daughter and son. I've relinquished the prime years of existence, knowing that what's bygone shall never return. Nevertheless, I am unwavering in my belief that a world devoid of freedom, equality, and peace isn't a life worth living or even beholding.”

After Maryam Safajoo had finished the painting, she was informed that Narges Mohammadi had seen a picture of the painting in prison and was very grateful.

The painting was donated to the Nobel Prize Museum by Maryam Safajoo in 2024.