Katayoun Bahrami, Clarion Alley, 2023
“Baraye” (Persian: برای, lit. “For” or “Because of”) is a power ballad by Iranian singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour inspired by the death of Mahsa Amini and its aftermath. Widely referred to as “the anthem of the protests,” Baraye received critical acclaim for its vocals and portrayal of the emotions of the Iranian people worldwide. At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, the song won the first-ever special merit award for Best Song for Social Change. After the death of Mahsa Amini and the start of the protests, an Internet meme was spread through social media (and Twitter in particular), by which (through phrases starting with the word “for”) the users explained their reasons for protesting and wishing for regime change in Iran.
Artist Katayoun Bahrami painted the lyrics into a mural as part of a series of events she curated and organized with CAMP in support of the Woman Life Freedom! movement in Iran. The work, in conjunction with several other murals served as the backdrop for the stage.