Photo by Charlie Breitrose Artists Amir Tabatabaei (right) and Niloufar Keyhani spoke about the mural they created in Watertown Square during a celebration of the artwork.
Tuesday night, nearly 100 people came out to celebrate a project by a pair of artists that was inspired by their new home: Watertown.
Amir Tabatabaei and Niloufar Keyhani emigrated to Watertown from Iran seven years ago. Tabatabaei had created large murals in Iran, and decided he wanted to contribute one in his new hometown. About a year and a half ago, he reached out to Liz Helfer, Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture Planner, who helped him get in touch with the owners of the CVS building in Watertown Square, where the wall that now bears the mural is located.
The mural is called “I See a Dream,” and is inspired by Tabatabaei’s vision of utopia. He and Keyhani worked on the mural over the summer. They got some assistance from donations from corporate and non-profits, and also from a GoFundMe campaign organized by some local residents after learning that the couple had absorbed most of the cost of the paint and supplies. The effort raised more than $8,500.
Photo by Charlie Breitrose
During the grand opening event, Tabatabaei shared some words about the experience of creating the mural in Watertown Square. Read his speech below:
Ladies and gentlemen,
I stand before you today to share the story behind the creation of this mural, a journey that began with the selection of this particular mural in Watertown. It was a choice that would eventually pave the way for us to bring to life a utopian idea, a theme that has always held a special place in my heart.
As an immigrant and a resident of Watertown, I became increasingly drawn to the concept of Utopia over time. I explored its complexities thoroughly, and with the opportunity that this mural provided, we set out to execute an artwork that now stands as a testament to this very idea.
This mural has become one of the most meaningful expressions of my artistry, finding its rightful place here, where it hopefully can connect with the Watertown community and paint a portrait of a unified world, where unity, awareness, and peace coexist harmoniously.
Photo by Charlie Breitrose
Visitors look at the details of the recently completed mural. It stretches the length of one of the walls of the CVS in Watertown Square.
But this mural is more than just a personal artistic endeavor. It is a reflection of the diversity that thrives in Watertown. We hope that the concepts and ideals embedded in this artwork can resonate with the values and aspirations of both Watertown as a whole and this specific location within the city.
During our seven years in Watertown, Niloofar and I consistently felt the absence of public art in this vibrant community. We yearned to contribute, to create a mural that would enrich the city’s cultural landscape. Fortunately, with mutual support and determination, we brought this vision to life. It was a journey that took us over 1.5 years to complete.
Throughout this process, the support and engagement of the people, as well as the emotions they shared with us, fueled our determination to see this project through. It reminded us that art has the power to connect, inspire, and transcend boundaries.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have supported and appreciated our work. This mural is not just a reflection of my artistic vision, but a symbol of unity, diversity, and the strength of community. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I hope this mural continues to inspire and resonate with all who encounter it.
Photo by Charlie Breitrose
The mural was painted along Merchants Row, an alley between two buildings in Watertown Square. 
During the event, Keyhani thanked the groups that helped make the mural possible:
- Watermain Realty Associates
- Watertown Savings Bank
- John Hall and HallKeen Management
- Watertown Community Foundation
- Watertown Helps Out volunteers
- Sherwin Williams of Watertown
- Watertown Business Coalition
- Watertown Department of Community Development & Planning
- Elodia Thomas & Bruce Coltin
F0llowing the event, the group moved over the Bar ‘Cino for a reception sponsored by the Watertown Business Coalition.
Photo by Charlie Breitrose
Artist Amir Tabatabaei, speaks to people about his mural at the opening celebration on Tuesday night. 
I LOVE this mural and now reading the artist’s description of how it came to be and what it means to all of us, I admire it even more.
Thanks so much to everyone involved and would like to see more work like this that’s not politically driven!
Congratulations to the artists. We are lucky to have them as residents of Watertown.
Wish I could’ve joined. I used to work in the Otis Building and that wall was my view. It had a mural on it yet this one is so delightful. Hi5! to these brilliant artists.
where was this event publicized? What was the exact date of this opening?
There was an announcement on Watertown News, and it was announced by the Watertown Business Coalition. Plus, the people who donated to the Gofundme were contacted about the event.
A reminder to please sign comments with your full name.
Great colors used, beautiful drawings, and an advantageous and unique setting to notice the mural while waiting for a bus, stuck in Watertown traffic, walking on Main Street, etc.
It’s also inspirational to read the artist’s statement. Thank you.