Marjane Satrapi has passed away at the age of 56. The Iranian artist and intellectual was the author of the graphic novel Persepolis, in which she recounted her life during the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
In 2022/2023, the University of Bologna had the honour of welcoming her as guest of honour at the inauguration of the Academic Year, where she delivered a lectio magistralis entitled The Freedom of Mind. On that occasion, she was also awarded the Sigillum Magnum, the University’s highest honour.
As Rector Giovanni Molari stated on that occasion, Marjane Satrapi was able to embody, through her personal story, “the suffering and hopes of the Iranian people”, becoming their voice through the strength of her art and public advocacy. The power of her artistic language, the universality of her message and the courageous clarity of her positions made her a point of reference for all those who believe in the values of freedom, human rights and human dignity".
Born in Iran, Marjane Satrapi spent her adolescence in Vienna and had lived in France since 1994. She was the author of graphic novels including Persepolis, Embroideries and Chicken with Plums, as well as numerous children’s books. From 2005 onwards, she also pursued a career as a film director, directing several films, including the Academy Award-nominated animated film Persepolis and The Voices.
