Iran & Sweden

Born in the same country, living in two very different societies. Both of Kurdish origin, both painting Kurdish pieces.

Hero's woman dances a Kurdish dance in traditional dress — her definition of freedom. Maryam answered with a female peshmerga, a woman soldier, a strong symbol of freedom.

Nature is a source for both. Negar painted something beautiful growing out of darkness and clay — art itself as freedom.

Malin laid a transparent layer on top, letting Negar's colours shine through. The fishes are the two women meeting.

Josefine painted a sister beside Saghar's portrait — standing united, a woman who has struggled and suffered, and come out incredibly strong.

We come from different cultures, carrying different bags, but inside we are alike. We must dare to meet.

Nasira painted women of limited freedom: thick earthen walls, small figures in long garments, and below, a door — a light, the only way out.

Sabina continued the story along that way: scary and hopeful at once. A carousel that takes courage to climb, a dragonfly for the circle of life — time for a change.

Two muralists who have painted all their lives. Tala's woman is trapped behind Tehran's skyline, limited and sad; VAGNELIND met her with a woman who is curious, daring and believes in herself.

The red on the left is the freedom to express ourselves. The red on the right is violence.