By Samaneh Aboutalebi
TEHRAN –War photographers were able to capture the true essence of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), also referred to as the Sacred Defense, through their lenses, the head of the Revolutionary and Sacred Defense Photographers Association Mohammad-Hossein Heidari has said.
The veteran war photographer made the remarks during an interview with Tehran Times on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition of Kazem Akhavan, a war photographer who was abducted in Lebanon in 1982 by the Israeli regime.
The opening ceremony was attended by veteran war photographers and media persons at Khaneh Gallery of Tehran’s Art Bureau.
Akhavan's unique perspective in photography has been deeply influenced by his mentor, martyr Mostafa Chamran, Heidari said and added: “During Akhavan’s brief period of work, Chamran served as his teacher in the field of photography, leaving a lasting impact on his artistic approach.”
Akhavan's extensive presence in various scenes, particularly in irregular wars, has allowed him to capture remarkable and poignant photographs, he noted.
Some of his works depict scenes that intimately connect with the individuals present on the battlefield and this level of proximity to the combat scene is a rarity in the field of Sacred Defense photography, Heidari mentioned.
In his photographs, Akhavan goes beyond capturing mere visuals of weapons and ammunition, instead, he focuses on documenting the relationships, connections, and emotions shared among people, he stated.
His works beautifully highlight the human bonds that emerge amidst conflict, showcasing the depth of interpersonal connections, he added.
His works are truly exceptional and in fact, had it not been for his unfortunate abduction in 1982, he would have undoubtedly ranked among the world's most accomplished war photographers, he remarked.
The quality of his photographs is truly remarkable, largely due to his close relationship with the subjects and his ability to establish a deep connection with those he photographs adds a profound impact to his images, he concluded.
Titled "Partisan Photographer," the exhibition showcases a collection of photographs by Kazem Akhavan, documenting the Iran-Iraq war. Through his lens, Akhavan captured rare and compelling moments from various operations spanning the years 1980 to 1982. These photographs offer a unique and insightful perspective into the realities of the conflict.
The exhibition encompasses a collection of 32 photographs, varying in sizes ranging from 50x75 cm to 3x8m. The images have been sourced from diverse archives, including the Iran Photographers House art field archive, the IRNA news agency, and the Association of Revolution and Sacred Defense Photographs archive.
Curated by the Iran Photographers House in commemoration of the Sacred Defense Week, the exhibition will run until November 1.
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