Honoring Mahsa Amini: A Symbol of Freedom in Florence

Honoring Mahsa Amini – On December 10, 2024, Florence will host a significant event to commemorate Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian woman whose tragic death sparked a global movement for freedom and equality. A bronze sculpture of Mahsa’s face will be unveiled at the historic Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, the seat of the Regional Government of Tuscany. This permanent installation stands as a powerful tribute to her legacy and the universal fight for human rights.

The Beginning of a Movement

The journey to this moment began in October 2023, during the XIV Florence Biennale.

The event featured a dedicated space called “I Am Mahsa,” created to honor Iranian artists and remember the events surrounding Mahsa Amini’s death in September 2022. Her passing, caused by the Iranian regime’s enforcement of hijab laws, ignited the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, inspiring millions worldwide.

At the Biennale, Iranian artists Partin Bastan and Marjan Najafi, refugees in Norway, sculpted a live clay model of Mahsa’s face.

This moving tribute was supported by the Robert F. Kennedy International House of Human Rights and witnessed by thousands of visitors. It marked the start of a larger initiative that would evolve well beyond the Biennale.

From Clay to Bronze: The Creative Journey

After the Biennale, the clay model was transferred to the Liceo Artistico di Porta Romana in Florence. Here, under the guidance of professors Claudia Chianucci, Elena Quirini, and Rocco Spina, the model was transformed into a plaster cast, paving the way for its casting in bronze.

In September 2024, the Del Giudice Foundry in Strada in Chianti—a Tuscan institution celebrating 50 years of craftsmanship—took on the task of bringing the bronze sculpture to life. This final step was the culmination of 14 months of collaboration among artists, educators, and activists.

Honoring Mahsa Amini – A Permanent Tribute in Florence

The bronze sculpture will be permanently displayed at Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, located in Piazza del Duomo in Florence (in front of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore). This historic location ensures that Mahsa Amini’s story and courage will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.

The unveiling ceremony, set to begin at 10:30 AM in the Sala del Pegaso, will include a press conference detailing the project’s significance and the first screening of a documentary chronicling its creation.

Among the speakers will be Eugenio Giani, President of Tuscany, Jacopo Celona, Director of the Florence Biennale, and Sabri Najafi, an activist for Iranian women’s rights. Partin Bastan and Marjan Najafi will join the event virtually, as they remain in Norway due to their political asylum status.

Below is a video about Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati, where the artwork will be exhibited:

Florence: A Beacon of Art and Human Rights

This initiative reinforces Florence’s role as a global hub for art, culture, and advocacy. The sculpture of Mahsa Amini serves not only as a reminder of her bravery but also as a call to action for the protection of freedom and human rights worldwide. By hosting this tribute, Florence continues to shine as a city committed to preserving the legacy of those who inspire change.

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