The renowned American contemporary artist Ron English has once again left a thought-provoking mark on New York’s streets.

“You can’t have a great society without great journalism” is the message of English’s eye-catching mural for the #NotACrime campaign.

Located on 819 Broadway and Ellery Street in Brooklyn, English painted his own version of the three wise monkeys to show support for the many journalists, writers and artists who are detained in Iran for expressing themselves freely.

While the original version depicts the three monkeys covering their eyes, ears and mouth, English’s interpretation is quite the opposite. Tied to the basic tools of journalism, the three monkeys open their eyes, ears and mouth – emphasizing the importance of free expression – on a background of the Iranian flag’s colors, green, white and red.

“Artists and journalists are super important to societies, and oppressing them is about the most outrageous thing you can do,” English says.

English is known as the “Godfather of Street Art.” He coined the term “Popaganda” to describe his work, which often criticizes corporation-dominated society and uncovers the truth behind advertising. He has done artwork for several famous musicians, has written seven books, and is known for the infamous “Abraham Obama” during the 2008 presidential campaign.

He is aware that his art, which by some people is considered provocative, comes with a risk, even a place like the US.

“I think there’s a lot more censorship and a lot less free speech than people realize, but you find out where the boundaries are when you test them,” English says.

Though born in Texas and now living in New York, English doesn’t consider himself an American; he’s a world-citizen. And for that reason it is important for him to show sympathy with artists and journalists in Iran and around the world.

“If I as an artist ever got into trouble, which is quite likely, I would want the same kind of thing – that you go on social media and talk about it, do murals, or make it a part of the conversation that you must not forget me,” he says. But, he adds, with free expression also comes great responsibility.

“Journalism is a powerful thing, art is a powerful thing, and you have a lot of responsibility. You are trying to make a point, not just be a jerk,” he says.

The #NotACrime global street art campaign teamed up with curators and street artists in New York City to produce murals that raise awareness of Iran’s human rights crisis.

The Iranian government continues to violate the rights of its own citizens. The #NotACrime initiative looks at two issues in particular: the plight of Iran’s journalists, who face arbitrary arrest and intimidation, and the government’s refusal to allow the Baha’i religious minority pursue further education. Read more on notacrime.me.

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