Several months ago, we profiled Shahriar AZ, a contemprary Iranian artist from New Zealand who utilizes art to raise awareness on human rights violations. In March 2008, Shahriar launched World Art Collective, the website that has become a vehicle for raising awareness of human rights violations, injustices and persecution. Shahriar has always been interested in the power of technology, particularly the internet, in opening broad avenues of interaction among the world’s diverse populations. He aims to engage those who have been previously unexposed to what contemporary art can achieve socially and expand beyond the confines of a traditional art gallery setting.

Shahriar’s newest artwork is from a series called “The Truth behind the persecution.” This is an interview sound artwork about Human Rights violations against the Baha’is in Iran.

Shahriar’s most recently exhibited his artwork in an international show in Poznan, Poland in March 2009. The exhibition titled “STAND-UP Art about Human Rights”, focused on human rights through art. It reflected the growing need for acceptance of, and respect for diversity, dialogue and social engagement. The show comprised the work of 11 artists and activists from different countries, societies and cultures. More information about the STAND UP exhibition can be found at:
http://hrart.wordpress.com/category/stand-up-artists/