PROFILE

Souren Mousavi was born in Persia in 1969 to an Iranian mother and Bahraini father, with ancestry linked to the Iranian monarchy. Graduating with a fine art masters degree from the University of Tehran, Souren began to explore an interest in women’s rights. She was inspired to use her art to convey her thoughts and feelings, becoming an active campaigner.
Souren’s primary subject of the female form was deemed pornographic and offensive by the regime.

Francesco Simoes - established Portuguese artist says:

"It is with great pleasure that I accept the invitation of showing my work along with Souren Mousavi`s, a live witness to the immoral brutality of today’s disrespect for Human Rights. Mousavi`s work mirrors the intensity of captivity, of the cruelty that in some parts of the world still persists today.
Although still young, Mousavi`s work is already full of intensity, emotion and bravery which as a teacher I always encouraged my students to follow. Mousavi`s determination is to take her far, but mostly represents hope. It is a strong message, one that brings colour to darkness.
As Mousavi`s, my work highlights the Human Condition of Women. Their beauty, their fragility and their enormous strength. I acknowledge her efforts in highlighting the defense of Human Rights, and as a man who also paid with jail the fight for Freedom I couldn't but support this initiative." 2008