SAREH mORADI
Freedom of Opinion and Expression
In this artwork, Iranian artist Sareh Moradi combines Persian calligraphy, contemporary portraiture, and classical poetry to celebrate one of humanity's most fundamental freedoms: the right to express one's thoughts without fear.
Inspired by the poetry of Forough Farrokhzad, one of Iran's most influential modern poets, the work gives visual form to words that speak of silenced voices, inner strength, and the courage to speak one's truth. The flowing calligraphy becomes both image and language, symbolising that expression is not only spoken but also written, created, and lived.
Drawing on the rich traditions of Persian literature and art, Sareh's work reminds us that culture is a powerful form of resilience. By preserving language, poetry, and artistic heritage, she affirms that identity and freedom of expression remain inseparable.
Sareh Moradi is an Iranian artist specialising in mandalas and Persian calligraphy, blending centuries-old artistic traditions with a contemporary, self-taught practice. Although she graduated in Physics, art has become her personal language of exploration, mindfulness, and cultural expression. Inspired by the intricate patterns of nature, Persian heritage, and the meditative qualities of mandalas, she creates works that bridge science and creativity, logic and emotion.
Supported by We Restart Charity through the A.R.I.A. Hub programme, Sareh continues to develop her artistic practice while sharing the richness of Persian culture with new audiences in London. Through her work, she demonstrates how creativity can preserve identity, foster dialogue, and build bridges across cultures.
Sareh's work celebrates the enduring power of words and art to transcend borders, preserve memory, and give voice to those who refuse to be silenced.
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
Sareh Moradi for the Human Right Festival 2025
Persian cultural heritage and modern universal human rights
This collection brings together Persian calligraphy and classical poetry to explore universal human rights through the lens of one of the world's oldest literary traditions. Each artwork pairs a fundamental right—such as freedom of expression, justice, peace, freedom of thought, the right to love, or the right to life—with verses by celebrated Persian poets including Hafez, Rumi, Ferdowsi, Sheikh Bahā'ī and Forough Farrokhzad. By combining elegant calligraphy with contemporary portraiture, Sareh Moradi demonstrates how art, literature, and human rights transcend borders and generations, reminding us that the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have long resonated through poetry, philosophy, and cultural heritage.
