You’re Welcome? Exhibition: Artist Floor Talk

Kurdish refugee Mostafa ‘Moz’ Azimitabar is an artist and human rights activist who, after fleeing persecution from Iran to Australia, was held in detention on both Manus Island and in a Melbourne Hotel. In detention, Moz turned to painting as a way to escape the surrounding chaos. Without art supplies, Moz painted with a toothbrush― a practice that he continues to this day.

Join Verge to hear Moz speak about his story amidst a selection of his works, on display as part of You’re Welcome?, an exhibition curated by Dharug artist Billy Bain.

You’re Welcome? explores the ways in which a group of young Sydney-based artists form, express, and interrogate the contradictory ideas of what it means to be welcome in ‘Australia’.  

Running concurrently with Invasion Day and The University of Sydney’s Welcome Week, You’re Welcome? celebrates and platforms artist’s unique stories and perspectives — from the political to the surreal and humorous. 

This event will include free beverages and will be followed by a complimentary pizza lunch. 

Learn more about the exhibition and further related public programs here↗.

📆 Thurs 6 Mar, 11am – 12pm
🎟 Free, all welcome – RSVP encouraged

📸 Image credit: Mostafa Azimitabar, My message is love, oil on linen painted with a toothbrush, 91.5 x 76 cm.