Rira: The Call of Iran’s Environmental Prisoners
Curated event, exhibition & campaign
Edinburgh, London and International
Inspace Gallery, Edinburgh and other venues, 2023-2024
Rira* is a project recalling the instrumental work and achievements of 9 Iranian Environmental Scientists, who were arrested on false allegations in January 2018, 7 of whom are still in Evin prison, Tehran.
The project is two-folded, it raises awareness about Iran’s wildlife and natural heritage, as well as the diversity of activities by distinguished members of Iran’s environmentalists who are widely respected among old and new generations of researchers and the locals alike, and whose research and teaching, involves both local and international projects.
*From Nima Youshij’s poem Rira. Nima is known as the father of modern Persian poetry, his works are distinguished by their formal novelty and strong connection and presence of nature. Rira is a sound that calls.
With the upmost thanks to the generous sponsorship and support by Greenpeace UK and the University of Edinburgh, including the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) and the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH).
Chanelle Adams, Camphor Avenue: A Garden of Ghosts, ICA Live Art Festival 2022. Photo by Xolani Tulumani. Courtesy Institute for Creative Arts and the artist.