The abuses on the innocent people of Iran by their government are again in the world’s spotlight with the death of Mahsa Amini. Her crime? An alleged violation of the state-imposed head covering law. Iranian artists have responded with a global outcry and are not retreating from their activism. Female artists have sought to expose the decades of atrocities by the regime affecting most every aspect of daily life in Iran. Amini’s death has ignited a call to direct action and many are taking personal risks in order to end the authoritarian control over the lives of the Iranian people.

Join us as we review an array of artists, past and present that are visually speaking for the plight of the Iranian people and for the rights of all humanity.

Christine Maasdam holds a Master's in Humanities and a B.A. in Cultural Geography. Her art studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in D.C. and Post Graduate studies in Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. Christine is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate from Trident Manor on Protection of Cultural Venues. Christine received Sotheby’s certification on Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective. She has spent over a decade as a LACMA docent and is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel.