Kurdish refugee and artist Mostafa ‘Moz’ Azimitabar joins the Breakfasters to share his story of detention, freedom, creativity, and advocacy. After fleeing Iran, Moz was detained for eight years by the Australian government – first on Manus Island and then in Melbourne's Park and Mantral hotels. During this time, he created political songs, poetry, and art, which led to his appearance in the documentary Freedom is Beautiful (2023) and two nominations for the Archibald Prize.

Moz reflects on his time on Manus Island and nearly one decade of being identified as a number, KNS088, which is also the title of his 2022 Archibald Prize shortlisted self-portrait. He describes how he used instant coffee and a toothbrush to create his first art on scraps of paper, saying, “It felt like I was five again. It made me smile.”

Recently, Moz spoke at the Rural Australians for Refugees Bi-Annual Conference in Kyneton, Victoria, and shared his reflections on refugee advocacy in Australia. He says that overall, Australians are welcoming of refugees but that support needs to go beyond the ‘refugee industry’ where organisations absorb donations and funding, and that refugees need real material support through jobs and permanent visas. 

He helps furnish homes for individuals escaping domestic violence and works at the Art Museum of New South Wales, stating, “I love working, I love to share ideas, I love to contribute.”

After enduring the harsh conditions of detention and being denied creative expression, Moz’s story serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of creativity. It also paints an indicting picture at the inhumane detention system of the Australian government.