Scream for Freedom
On September 17, 2022 protests broke out in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini. According to reports, she was arrested by the Iranian morality police on September 13th, due to improperly wearing her hijab. According to her family, she was severely beaten and died as a result of her injuries. There was immediate outrage, not only in Iran, but around the globe. Protesters in Iran have been arrested, detained and some have even been executed. Women took to social media to show their solidarity with the hashtag #mahsaamini. ‘“Mahsa Amini is now a global symbol for freedom, not just in Iran,” says Nina Ansary, a historian and women’s rights activist. (Forbes December 6, 2022)’
Boris also felt the outrage of this horrific event. A beautiful young woman’s life was taken. He channeled this outrage in his painting Scream for Freedom. Women are screaming for freedom, not only in Iran, but in many other countries, where they are treated like property instead of human beings. Boris is often inspired to paint women in different facets, like a beautiful gem. This painting depicts a woman using her voice to declare her right to be safe and free from harm. Women are life givers, in more ways than one. They endure much pain, while bringing life and beauty into the world.
Scream for Freedom
(2022) 36”x48” mixed media on canvas