News
Behind the chador - 08 Feb 2010
Most of the images we are shown of the Middle East by popular media depict war, fanaticism and devastation. Not often seen are the faces of ordinary people living in the countries that make up this vast network of countries spread over three continents.
Ey! Iran is an exhibition of contemporary Iranian photographs by 18 media artists, most of whom still live and work in Iran, allowing us to see first hand what is emerging from within the culture itself. The exhibition is at Tauranga Art Gallery from Saturday 13 February.
The images reflect life as it is in Iran today, and how globalisation is working towards breaking down barriers and distinctions. The exhibition focuses on the every day realities of life for the average Iranian - the temptations and introspections of the Persian people, seen through the Persian lens.
The images show a culture surprisingly similar to ours – family life, suburban sprawl and a country immersed in longstanding traditions and customs while embracing the contemporary trappings that come hand in hand with globalisation. The exhibition captures a side of Iran which is often contrary to the one we are shown by western media.
Many of the artists represented in the exhibition are widely travelled and exhibited, and have chosen to portray a non-traditional and challenging view of their culture, rather than document a nation that has a long history of political conflict.
The exhibition contains both photographic and video works.
Ey! Iran can be viewed at the gallery until 18 April.
© 2009