Measuring 146 x 212 centimetres, the site-specific work combines a red handwoven kilim draped from wall to floor, suspended waxed threads affixed with band-aids, scattered marbles and dove forms. Drawing from her Iranian heritage and shaped by present-day realities, Farzam’s work invites viewers to sit with both the pain and possibility embedded in collective memory.
Farzam said her work was born from a deep personal and cultural space.
“The journey was an emotional exploration, guiding me to discover how to give form to peace, freedom and the hope of reaching it, while weaving symbols and metaphors into layers that invite deeper reflection.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful. To the museum team, La Trobe University, the judges and everyone who has stood beside me – thank you for believing in the power of art to connect us when the world needs it."
The AMA exhibition showcases 19 works across painting, photography, textiles, calligraphy and mixed media, celebrating the breadth of talent within Australia’s Muslim creative community.
Dr Mahmoud Mohammed, Senior Curator at the Islamic Museum of Australia said Sepideh Farzam’s work was a masterclass in material storytelling.
“Every element - from the woven kilim to the fragile band-aids - becomes part of a visual language that speaks to heritage, healing and humanity. It’s an installation that invites both contemplation and conversation,” Dr Mohammed said.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell presented the award at the opening night event.
Professor Farrell said art had the ability to shine a light on significant societal issues in an engaging and powerful way and Sepideh Farzam’s artwork did that by reimagining traditional craft in a contemporary language.
“Supporting people from all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life is integral to La Trobe, and our partnership with the Islamic Museum of Australia plays an important role in helping build cross-cultural understanding and support,” Professor Farrell said.
“Each year, the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize draws outstanding entrants on a diverse range of topics and voices, and we are delighted to continue supporting this important event.
“We warmly congratulate Sepideh Farzam on their well-deserved award.”
Judges for the 2025 prize were Dr Stefano Carboni (Adjunct Professor, University of Western Australia), Dr Karen Annett (Director, La Trobe Art Institute), Dr Anisa Buckley (community representative) and Dr Mahmoud Mohammed (Senior Curator, Islamic Museum of Australia).
The Australian Muslim Artists exhibition is on display from 15 August – 8 November 2025 at the Islamic Museum of Australia.
As an acquisitive prize, Threads of Red Silence will join the La Trobe University Art Collection, which is a growing collection of postwar and contemporary works by some of Australia’s most significant artists of the past six decades.
