Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran
Group Photography Exhibition
Visual Arts
January 28 – March 24
Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran
Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery
In the first survey of contemporary Iranian photography to travel to the United States, Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran features 20 of Iran’s most celebrated photographers who use the camera as a tool for cultural expression and self-exploration. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the aspects of existence—family, history, place, mortality, language, memory—that engage us all. These photographers offer a poignant reminder that at the center of political turmoil there can be humanity, and that a keen eye tuned to the tensions of modern life need not be blind to its poetry. Organized by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Minnesota, Department of Art, this exhibition introduces some of Iran’s most celebrated photographers to American audiences.
Iran has long distinguished itself with the spectacular quality and international presence of its visual art and film. With the backdrop of increasing attention given to the art and culture of Iran and the current political crisis in that part of the world, an exhibition with this focus is most timely. In expressing their many different visions of their world, these artists offer a look at both private and public realms. Their perspectives contradict the way many foreign photographers typically capture Iran on film as purely exotic.
The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 4pm, on Thursday until 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 pm. Admission is free. For more information call 410-455-2270.
Persian Visions was developed by Hamid Severi for the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Iran, and Gary Hallman of the Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington D.C.
This exhibition was made possible in part by the ILEX Foundation, University of Minnesota McKnights Arts and Humanities Endowment and the Department of Art, Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota.