Sometimes, we share things because they are important and because they touch all of us. The story of Miriam Ibraheem, a Sudanese woman sentenced to death for apostasy, a woman freed because of international outcry, is one such story. Now, a portrait of her and her daughter, Maya, who was born in prison, is on sale at Doyle’s Auction House tomorrow, May 12. 50% of the portrait’s proceeds will go to Mariam’s cause. Further information and the official press release are below the portrait.
Los Angeles-based portrait artist and Art Unified co-founder Johan Andersson, who gained recognition in the international art scene with his Stolen Faces and Brand for Life series, has announced the auction of his newest piece, the official portrait of human rights activist Mariam Ibraheem at Doyle’s Auction House of New York tomorrow, May 12th, 2015. 50% of the portrait’s proceeds will go to Mariam’s cause. See artwork here in the ‘Post-War and Contemporary Art’ collection, and scroll down to view the portrait.
Ibraheem, a Sudanese woman sentenced to death for apostasy and 100 lashes for marrying a Christian man, was rescued as a result of an international outcry that included the voices of such luminaries as Angelina Jolie, President Barack Obama, Prime Minister David Cameron and Pope Francis. With the help of a group of international organizations and the Pope, Mariam was freed and is now living in the United States.
Pregnant at the time of her imprisonment, Mariam was allowed a stay of execution until she gave birth to child, , who was born in prison. Without the international attention that built around her case, Mariam would have been executed and her children would have been orphans. Andersson portrayed Mariam and her child Maya in a powerful portrait of survival.
Andersson, after graduating from Central St. Martin’s in London in 2008, became the youngest ever to be shortlisted for the (British Petroleum) BP Portrait Award and his selected work was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery and later exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
To bid on the painting or view it prior to the auction, please go to the auction house site.
