AMIR SALEHI - EXPOSURE EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE

A heavy silence envelops those who encounter these figures. Unlike the typical joy that dolls evoke, these bear a weight of sadness that transcends their inanimate forms. They serve as tangible reminders of a dark era.

A dismal chapter in Canadian history emerged with the establishment of the residential school system.

Beginning in the late 19th century and continuing into the 20th century, 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to these schools. The goal was to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture and eradicate Indigenous languages, traditions, and beliefs.

The conditions in these schools were often harsh and abusive. Children suffered from neglect, starvation, physical and emotional abuse, and cultural suppression. This led to the tragic deaths of thousands of children Indigenous children. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has documented the deaths of over 4,000 Indigenous children, but the actual number could be higher. The exact number of children who died in residential schools remains unclear, as many deaths went unreported or were under-documented.

A heartfelt way to remember this history has emerged in Canada in recent years. After discovering unmarked graves at former residential school sites, people have begun attaching dolls to stretches of fence posts to expose the deep suffering of Indigenous children in the residential school system.

The resonance of this symbolic movement has stirred profound emotions within me. Moved by the power of these visual markers, I have begun documenting them. These silent figures speak of the suffering endured by these children and remind the laughter, melodies, and dreams that will never come to life. They are a poignant expression of the dire consequences of discrimination, oppression, abuse of power, and harmful ideologies.

BIOGRAPHY

Amir Salehi (he/him) is an Iranian photographer based in Calgary, Canada. He completed his bachelor's degree in photojournalism in Tehran and began his career professionally as a photojournalist and documentary photographer in 2013. Since then, he has covered and witnessed numerous political and social events in Iran. His work has earned publication in reputable Iranian news outlets. In 2021, he immigrated to Canada and currently resides in Calgary.

Amir utilizes photography as a medium to delve into the role of politics and religion in people's lives, and he endeavors to present an impartial and authentic narrative to his audience.