Anahita Diba
‘Dear Friend’
This painting represents my feelings towards the friendship between me and of the dearest friends I ever had since my detention period till now. She is the most beautiful, kind and generous person I have met. She use to be psychologist back in detention then when I arrived in Australia from offshore detention we became close friends. The gold paint represents how worthy is this friendship for me. the flowers and birds show the peace and freedom i feel through this relationship with her.
Size: A2 Print Ilford Galerie Textured Cotton Rag 310gsm
Price: $225
Anahita Diba
‘Fairy Queen’
In my childhood I always had imagery fairy friends and love to spending hours alone in nature specially when I feel really down and depressed. So once I decided to bring it to life by painting a fairy that was born from all the beauty in nature. That’s how I imagine a fairy in my dreams.
Size: A2 Print Ilford Galerie Textured Cotton Rag 310gsm
Price: $225
Anahita Diba
HOMELAND: Iran
DENTION: Nauru and Australia
AGE: 24
TIME IN DETENTION: 6 years Nauru / Still in community detention in Australia now
REASON FOR SEEKING REFUGE: Persecution
DESTINATION: Anywhere safe
Story
I’m Anahita Diba. I’m passionate about art and the way it mesmerises my everyday life. I’m a self-thought artist who started with pen and paper whilst in detention and processed to oils and water-colours. I’m from Tehran, Iran. Me and my family started our migration journey to Australia in July 2013 and after 5 months of hardship, hunger and running; Jumped on a tiny fishing boat toward Australia. Then in October 2013 Australian navy caught us and transferred my family and many others to many years of torture and cruelty. I came to Melbourne with my family via Medi-Vac program on December 2018 after spending 6 years and half in the offshore detention centre on Nauru island. Whilst I was on Nauru, I kept myself busy with drawing and paining all day long. I got to this level by hard work and to not lose sight of hope and carry on. I have to say I would not be here without the support and kindness of the people who saw my art and lend me a hand and push me toward a brighter future by sending parcels/gifts box of art supplies and basic needs at the time I was in need the most.