Our focus in this docent-led program is on the work of six photographers, all women of Iran. Although their photography explores the universal issues of loss, alienation, and separation after the Revolution, their works still convey a subtle sense of hope and anticipation. Join us to see how.
From the dynamism of the street to the quiet corners of distant memories, the works featured in My Iran: Six Women Photographers explore the complexities of life within and outside their home country.
The images offer nuanced views of Iran while shedding light on each photographer’s identity as an artist. Hengameh Golestan’s shots of women protesting in the streets of Tehran following the 1979 Iranian Revolution capture the spirit and force of a social and political movement that dramatically altered the role of women in society. The remaining five artists—Newsha Tavakolian, Shadi Ghadirian, Malekeh Nayiny, Gohar Dashti, and Mitra Tabrizian—work in this post-Revolution environment, staging and manipulating photographs to reveal deeply moving individual stories, as well as unique observations about contemporary life as an Iranian. Together, these images explore themes of memory, loss, and exile, but also of defiance and hope.
My Iran also honors the legacy of Dr. Jahangir Amuzegar (1920–2018) and the Eleanor and Jahangir Amuzegar Fund for Contemporary Iranian Art, which provides ongoing support for programs of contemporary Iranian art.
What to Expect: This is a live docent-led virtual tour. You will be able to ask questions. Typically docents love to engage their audience to immerse them in the subject.
Feedback from past Smithsonian Virtual Tours:
“Absolutely wonderful all the way around! Very engaging docent, lively discussion and a unique way of looking at specific pieces that tell a story of how art evolves from one culture to another.”
“Very informative and well worth the time. Thank you. More docent tours would be great!”
“Excellent. I hope we can do more Smithsonian programs.”
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