Charlene Hadim is a Los Angeles-based artist who is passionate about telling her family’s story, as they sought refuge from the political turmoil in Iran. In order to seek religious freedoms, generations fled their homelands to alleviate both religious and gender persecutions. The government corruption and war – starting in 1979 – made living in Iran untenable, thus many risked their lives to leave illegally. They were often required to make spur-of-the-moment decisions to flee through back channels in the middle of the night, while others moved from country to country seeking refuge.

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This exhibition displays cherished mementos from the artist’s extended family. These are the items they chose to bring with them, when faced with this urgent decision of leaving Iran. Although many of these items have nominal monetary value, they are important for sentimental value – and they are a lifeline to her family’s history and journey to Los Angeles. Hadim’s creative explorations are a celebration of her religious freedoms that were gifted to her through her family's endeavors.