Join artist and activist Shohreh Ghanbary this Thursday evening at the Surrey Museum for a thought-provoking and inspirational look at life as a political prisoner.
Beyond the Wall: The Memories, the Art, next up in the Surrey Museum's fall lecture series, is an account of her life in Iran’s notorious Evin Prison.
Ghanbary was imprisoned in the 1980s after taking to the streets to protest the extremes of the Islamic Revolution. She endured horrendous conditions, and lived under the constant threat of execution – even as her fellow prisoners steadily disappeared.
In her cell at night she would embroider images of home inside the pockets of her chador. Each year her parents were permitted to bring her a change of clothes, and her messages were smuggled out of the prison walls.
Ghanbary now lives on the North Shore, where she continues her artwork in a variety of mediums, from painting to drawing and video.
She remains just as passionately dedicated to human rights, working as an activist who uses her artwork to express beauty and political commentary.
On Thursday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., she’ll share how her forbidden embroidery work kept her from lapsing into despair. Her soulful works of art will also be on display.
The cost is $10 for ages 16 years and up. Please pre-register at 604-592-6956.
The Surrey Museum is located at 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey, B.C.
Hours of operation are Tuesdays to Fridays, 9:30am to 5:30pm; Saturdays, 10am to 5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and Statutory Holidays.