IRAN: Portraying A Puzzle
Installation View
Ever since our former leader labeled Iran as one of the three members of the "Axis of Evil", I became very curious about this nation.
I wanted to see what Iran is actually like with my own eyes. When I traveled in Iran in October 2009 it was a politically quiet period after the turbulence that followed the June election.
As soon as my trip started, I was amazed by the contrast between the oppressive government, with its expressed hostility to America, and the open and friendly people whom I encountered on the streets and parks, in cafes and restaurants.
The vast difference between Iran as I observed it and Iran as portrayed in American news media is as puzzling as Iran itself.
Through my journal and images I would like to share with viewers my discoveries about this enigmatic and beautiful country.
This work consists of 20 days of Journal (each page is 30"x36" with 6-12 images and texts) and 20 large images (18"x27") above each day's journal.
10.10.09 | Tehran Night
10.11.09 | Bicycle
10.12.09 | Butcher Shop
10.13.09 | Honor Students | These are the pictures and names of students who successfully passed the university entrance examination. They studied at this pre-university preperation institute. Yellow Sign: Thanking the local mayor for resolving traffic issues in the neighborhood.
10.14.09 | Picnic
10.15.09 | Café Ceiling
10.16.09 | Abguineh Museum
10.17.09 | Drawer
10.18.09 | Blue Stripes
10.19.09 | Front Seat
10.20.09 | Iran Air
10.21.09 | Allah
10.22.09 | Distant Gaze
10.23.09 | Poster | "The leader of the Islamic Republic: The City of Jerusalem and al-Quds must be cleansed of Zionists." Revolutionary Guards' logo is on the bottom left. This is the only anti-Isreal poster that I see during my trip. Barbara Cohe, a retired Army phsychiatrist who served in Vietnam, is taking a photo.
10.24.09 | Charity Box | Left - "Prayer is a weapon against the enemy." Right - Announces a charity feast.
10.25.09 | Fun Fruits
10.26.09 | Night Guards
10.27.09 | Bridge | Under the Khajin bridge is a favorite spot for young people to flirt.
10.28.09 | Tree | Imam Square (formally the Royal Square) is the second largest square in the world. after Tiananmen Square.
10.29.09 | Hall of Martyrs | We visit a small village in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. This village is at least 2,000 years old. For a village of about 150, there are a large number of casualties from the Iran-Iraq War.