Archibald Finalist Moz Azimitabar: Freedom is Beautiful, Braemar Exhibition Opening

BMRSG has partnered with Mostafa (Moz) Azimitabar, a Kurdish-Iranian refugee and four times finalist in the Archibald prize, including this year’s.

This highly anticipated exhibition features 38 artworks all painted with a toothbrush.

While forced to spend 6 years in detention on Manus Island, Moz developed his unique style. Denied access to art materials, he began to paint using the only things available to him – a toothbrush and coffee. His resourcefulness and determination resulted in the creation of artworks of great power and beauty. Moz now with access to paints his works have a wonderfully vibrant palette, however, the toothbrush is always used in the creation of his artworks. The subjects range from landscapes to portraits.

The exhibition opening took place on Saturday May 23, at Springwood’s Braemar Gallery. A large and enthusiastic crowd attended, MC Mick Fell talked about the positive impact BMCC’s Braemar Gallery has had on the community and beyond, and Angus McDonald, a contemporary artist and filmmaker (himself a seven-time Archibald Prize finalist), spoke of his friendship and support of Moz over may years, including those on Manus.

 Kathie Herbert spoke on behalf of BMRSG. She described Moz’s 8 years in detention, and the devastating impact Australian Government’s policies have had on the lives of asylum-seekers over decades and continue to do so.

Kathie stated that our greatest wish is that Moz and the other 800 of his cohort (those who attempted to come by boat after 2013), will be given permanent visas with a pathway to citizenship and family reunion.

Moz spoke movingly of his years in detention and the ways in which his mental and physical resilience were tested. He praised the vital support he received in those long years from Australian community-based groups. “My message is love” he said.

The exhibition is open at the Braemar Gallery, Springwood, until June 21.