MASOUD ALIPOURIAN - EXPOSURE EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE

My photographic series delves into the world of personal cemeteries in Tehran, Iran, reserved for the upper echelons of society. These secluded sanctuaries are a testament to the enduring desire to commemorate and honor loved ones even beyond their earthly existence.

The cemeteries consist of individual rooms, each a sacred resting place for generations of families. These rooms, locked and accessible only to family members, hold the cherished memories of those who have passed. A unique feature is the small windows on the doors, through which outsiders can glimpse the carefully adorned spaces inside. These rooms are adorned with frames, flowers, chairs, and lanterns, transforming them into eternal dwellings, mirroring the homes of the living.

Yet, a haunting dichotomy emerges. Despite the families' efforts to preserve their legacy, a veil of dust and silence blankets these once-vibrant rooms, seemingly erasing the very essence they sought to immortalize. The juxtaposition of the adorned rooms with the palpable silence speaks of the delicate balance between remembrance and the relentless march of time.

My photographs capture the poignant conflict between remembering and forgetting, life and death, whispers and silence. The images evoke a sense of abandonment, suggesting that these spaces have been left unvisited for too long, and the people within may be slowly fading from memory. The series serves as a reminder of life's transient nature and the struggle to anchor ourselves amidst the triviality of life.

Through these photographs, I invite viewers to contemplate the fragility of human existence and the impermanence of our efforts to bridge the gap between remembering and forgetting. The cemeteries, with their locked doors and small windows, symbolize the enigma of life itself, a locked chamber of memories with windows through which we attempt to connect to the eternal while acknowledging the inevitability of oblivion.

BIOGRAPHY

Masoud Alipourian (He/him) was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1986 and has been living in Calgary since February 2021. With over 15 years of experience in photography, he has established himself as a keen observer of the intersection between humanity, nature, and life itself. His journey began out of personal curiosity, evolving into a passion that led him to self-educate in the art of photography. Seeking to expand his understanding, he pursued courses under the guidance of contemporary Iranian photographers. In his work, he captures the intricate relationships binding humans, nature, and existence, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound connections that shape our world.