Peddlers of Tehran Tunnels: دستفروشان تونلهای تهران
On Going Series
An ongoing series delves into the chaotic underbelly of Tehran's metro, where the hustlers and sellers reign supreme. This isn’t your sanitized, postcard version of Iran. We’re talking about the real deal, the gritty and raw truth. Beggars, tarot readers, and gum sellers, all navigating the labyrinthine tunnels, hustling and grinding to carve out a living. They move with purpose and desperation, each one a story, each tunnel a chapter in the grand, anarchic novel of survival. Here, in the bowels of the city, the pulse of human resilience beats loud and unfiltered.
Sighs Beneath the Collar: سر در گریبانان
On Going Series
Inspired by the blunt, unfiltered words of a Dutch tourist, who once remarked, "Iranians have beautiful features, very handsome but all carry a deep sense of ingrained fatigue and tiredness in them," this series, "Sighs Beneath the collar: سر در گریبانان," dives headfirst into the gritty reality of those words. Here, we lay bare the raw, unvarnished truth of a nation weathering relentless storms of mass inflation and crippling sanctions. The exhaustion is not just a passing phase but a permanent fixture, etched deep into the faces of the people. It’s a visual testament to a life weighed down by economic chaos and political strife, where the dream of normalcy is a distant, elusive mirage. Each photograph screams of resilience and the relentless grind, capturing the very essence of a people fighting to keep their heads above water in a sea of despair.
The Case of Chekov's Gun
Finished
This photo series captures the behind-the-scenes magic of قضیه تفنگ چخوف (The Chekhov Gun Affair), a surreal and comedic theatrical production directed by Ashkan Pir Zendeh Del. Set in the afterlife, nine iconic figures from literature and art compete to correct a historical mistake and elevate art. From the dynamic, movable wooden set pieces to the intricate costumes and makeup, these images offer a glimpse into the creative process behind the show. Through the lens, I document the energy, collaboration, and transformation that bring this unique blend of drama and fantasy to life on stage.
Thaipusam
Published
Inspired by the raw energy and unyielding devotion of Thaipusam at Batu Caves, this series plunges into the heart of one of Malaysia's most intense and vibrant festivals. It's a fever dream of color, sound, and fervor, capturing devotees as they undertake grueling physical feats, pierce their bodies, and haul intricate kavadi in a trance-like state of devotion. These photos don't just document a festival; they rip open a portal to a world where faith meets flesh, and the divine mingles with the mortal. The air is thick with the scent of incense and sweat, a palpable sense of spiritual ecstasy mingled with human endurance. Each image is a testament to the raw, unfiltered power of belief, a visual symphony of chaos and serenity, where every face tells a story of sacrifice, pain, and ultimate transcendence.
Streets of Malaysia
Individual
This series began as a wild challenge to capture the pulse of Malaysian life as commuters hustle to work, each day revealing a cast of diverse characters straight out of a novel. Picture it: the daily grind, the rush, the vibrant tapestry of humanity unfolding on buses, trains, and sidewalks. It’s not just about the journey; it’s about the stories etched in every face, the silent narratives playing out in the crowded spaces of urban transit.But here’s the kicker—this series wasn’t shot with high-end, professional cameras. No, it was a bold experiment to showcase the raw power of photography using nothing more than phones. Stripping down to the basics, this project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, proving that the magic of a moment can be captured with a simple click, no fancy gear required. It’s a testament to the art of seeing, where technology takes a backseat to the raw, unfiltered eye of the photographer. Every image screams authenticity, capturing the essence of everyday life in all its chaotic, beautiful glory.
ONE FC Championship
Individual
As part of the analog movement, I had the rare privilege to capture the ONE FC Championship with my trusty Minolta X300 and Ilford HP5 film. This series is a deliberate throwback, a means to compare the visceral, gritty authenticity of film to the clinical precision of digital. With each shot, I aimed to convey the raw intensity and true essence of the martial artists' experience in the cage—the sweat, the blood, the ecstasy of victory, and the agony of defeat. Film, with its imperfections and grain, mirrors the unpredictable, raw nature of the fight, capturing emotions that are often lost in the sterile clarity of digital. This series is a tribute to the purity of the sport, seen through the timeless lens of analog photography.