Bi Nam (Unnamed) 2010

Bi Nam explores the cultural and social life of modern Iran, with an emphasis on religion, gender and identity. Using a structure that evokes the classic middle eastern collection of series One Thousand One Nights, Bi Nam explores the subtitles of everyday life in contemporary Iran and specific codes of conduct that influence a person’s mood, behaviour, relationships and sense of self. There is an undertow of sadness and longing, but also one of beauty, love and devotion. Amak Mahmoodian one of the participating artists and the exhibition curator, describes the exhibition as ‘quiet thoughts from modest photographers for whom the essence of culture is in the display of their works'.