Yasser Sepehr, in an interview with Saba’s Tjasmi reporter, said that the city has become the most important topic in the country’s art cultural scene in the last two decades. Dealing with the city has roots dating back to the era of modernism. During the last century, the city has been the center of attention of artists. In fact, the city, which is generally the background in classics, gradually became the center of attention and the main axis of the works. On the other hand, the city has a close relationship with photography and various theorists have written about it. From the idea of a “photographer as a wanderer” which was raised in Walter Benjamin’s articles to the different trends of urban photography that have become characteristic over half a century.
He added: “The right to the city” is one of the issues that have been highlighted in the discussions of urban studies in the last two decades. That we have a right to the city and we must pay attention to it. From another point of view, these photos are the result of my ten years of visiting Tehran. When I have witnessed the death of many houses and the mass constructions of houses that have replaced the architecture of old Tehran. The strong development has blown a strong wind and left many ruins and we witness this destruction every day.
This photographer further stated: The city that was the center of memory until yesterday, has now become melancholy and forgotten. That is, it does not present a memory to create a world for people, nor does it form a world meaning and association. In fact, there is no sign of happiness in this city, and this collection of photos sheds light on this lack of happiness. He may seek hope and happiness from this path. “Ruined History” is an idea-oriented photo collection. I think after working for ten years, it was time for these photos to be exhibited.
Sepehr also said about the target audience of this exhibition and the feedback he has received so far: The target audience of this exhibition is generally all sections of society; They are from ordinary citizens to artists and… Almost anyone can be the audience of this exhibition. I have to say about the feedback, I am very surprised on the opening day, because the exhibition was very well received and different spectrums have visited this exhibition. Among the audience, some famous and great figures of art criticism were also present, which was very happy for me.
He continued: Generally, visual exhibitions, especially photographs, have a dedicated and limited audience, and galleries are mostly crowded only on the first day of the exhibition; But “Artists’ House” draws many audiences to the exhibition space almost every day, like the opening day, due to its special position and reputation among the cultural elite. I hope that more audiences will visit the exhibition in the future.
This photographer also said about the cooperation with Iran’s Artists’ House: Artists’ House has returned to the center of attention of the country’s cultural field twice in the past year. This can be better understood from the presence of thoughtful managers. Personally, I have had offers from several galleries to hold the “Tarikh Viraneh” exhibition, but from different perspectives, my first priority was the artists’ house as the beating heart of art in Tehran.
Sepehr added: Due to the position of the artists’ house, it has an important position among the middle class of the society. Finally, I must say that my cooperation with the artists’ house went very well and we reached the opening day quickly. The interactive approach of the artists’ house helped to make the exhibition look much better than what I had originally intended.
In the end, he stated: A philosopher once said: “These days, because of all those who lose their hope, the light of hope has shone in our hearts.” In fact, the “Ruined History” photo collection tries to follow such an approach. The pictures of the ruins of the city represent a space far from happiness and from this point of view they seek hope and happiness. Because we are at the peak of despair that we can look forward to “hope”.
The exhibition of Yasser Sepehr’s photos titled “Tarikh Viraneh” curated by Hadi Momeni opened on Monday, December 27, 1402 at Ostad Nami Gallery.
In the explanation of this exhibition, it is stated: “Yasser Sepehr has found out in the photo collection “Tarikh Viraneh” that he cannot be indifferent to the emergency situation in which his society and city are caught. Therefore, with each photo piece of this collection, it reminds us that every human being has a right to the space in which he lives. With the traces he recorded on the walls and destroyed houses of the city, he whispers in our ears that he should not be just a mourner of a lost city, but in the face of the sad reality of the death of the city we have lived in and have memories with, we should shout the right to the city. He said, this city should be revived and called for a different kind of city.
The exhibition of Yasser Sepehr’s photographs, titled “Tarikh Viraneh”, curated by Hadi Momeni, will be held at Ostad Nami Gallery until December 4, 1402. Those interested in viewing the works of this exhibition can visit Iran’s artists’ house every day (except Saturdays) from 14:00 to 20:00.
Source: Sabakhabar.ir