Upside-Down

Hope, the feeling you rely on when things are not obvious or nearby. Sometimes, hope is looking forward to the realization of something abstract. Hope seeks the possibility of continuity amid an uncertain situation, on the road to being, becoming, and moving on. This sense of hope also becomes an important aspect of exploring the unknown future.

Sasan Abri began his career as a self-taught photographer, before graduating from Mah-e-Mehr Cultural Institute - a driving force in Tehran's contemporary art scene. He later continued his studies under the guidance of recognized Iranian photographers and lecturers. Abri makes use of unusual cameras, such as pinhole cameras and Polaroid, the latter being one he especially enjoys working with. During the photographic processing, he manipulates the final result by experimenting with various chemicals to achieve his desired effect. Tehran is a dominant theme in his photographs and videos, through which he expresses his views on society and politics. The city, being a concrete jungle, prompts him to seek a semblance of sanctuary in nature, which he finds enchanting, unpredictable, and glorious. Abri has held five solo exhibitions and his works have been included in numerous national and international group shows.