Photography Fri Nov 27 2015
Iranian Photographers Show Contemporary View of Iran at Bridgeport Art Center
By Yasmeen Ahmed
A rare exhibit by eight young Iranian photographers representing diverse geographic areas of their country opened recently at the Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St. The exhibit is open through today.
A Journey Inside presents the work of a much larger project involving eight Iranian photographers and a compassionate portrayal of their country. The project consists of two parts. First, the artists participated in a training segment to learn from others in the industry through workshops and other resources. The exhibit is the second part of the project.
The photos offer a positive and humane part of Iran that isn't commonly portrayed, after its somewhat isolated and unstable past. The goal is to show the Iranian people, struggles and all, as the agents that are moving the country toward a positive future.
The photos, which present people in some of their most natural settings, evoke emotions that go far deeper than a culture. The humanity in the subjects is relative to all. One photo portrays an injured veteran, various metals hanging on his chest, pain in his eyes. However, pride and strength is quite apparent in the photo. Others demonstrate a sense of being that is so similar and relatable that that it's hard to understand their struggles may be so different. That, to me, could be the most beautiful thing: a project that exhibits to the world a part of the country that is not often seen.
Not only do the photos evoke emotion, but in their truest art form they are beautiful. Clear and descriptive, entering lives of people we don't know and feeling familiar. That is where the expression is most apparent. The artists went through training to help them express their passions and goals, and possibly the most beautiful part of this project is that it gives the artists the resources to continue on. Within their community and throughout the world they are now able to spread stories, to promote understanding and to use an art form to break down boundaries.
A Journey Inside is on display at the Bridgeport Art Center through today. For more information on the exhibit and project, please visit A Journey Inside.
