Hasan Torabi is a prominent Iranian artist and one of the most thoughtful contemporary photographers in Iran. For over eight years, he has specialized in contemporary portraiture and fine art photography. “On Shotpedia, I plan to provide a conceptual photography critique of two of his works. They were scheduled to be exhibited at Didar Art Gallery in September 2024, but the organizers barred one of them from participation at the last moment.”
The Mission of Hasan Torabi as an Artist and Photography Instructor
Throughout these years, Hasan Torabi has worked to assist many Art students by founding the Honarsaran Photography Academy. In his career, he has conducted over 50 specialized photography workshops, helping his Art students develop a significant perspective on their surroundings through collaborative artistic work. He has consistently endeavored to raise his Art students’ awareness, which, in my view, he has successfully achieved.
Hasan Torabi Participation at Didar Art Gallery
“For the first time, Hasan Torabi participated in an exhibition hosted by Didar Art Gallery in Isfahan, and the gallery selected two of his photographic works.” Previously, he had collaborated with this gallery as a curator, showcasing a collection of selected works by Art students of Honarsaran Academy on fine art photography. His first work, titled “Culture,” is a remarkable portrait that deeply connects with the past and present culture of Iranian women within the context of Iranian society and culture. The second work “By Myself”, captured in 2024, delves into the profound aspects of their lives in the contemporary context. Unfortunately, this second piece was barred from display by the censors at the last moment, and he only participated with the first work in the exhibition.
His Achievements in International Photography Awards
Hasan Torabi has previously achieved recognition in International Photography Awards. His accolades include numerous awards from global photography festivals and competitions, including prestigious awards from Sony World Photography Awards, PX3, ND Awards, IPA, Chromatic Photo Awards, and 35 Photo Awards. His works have been featured in annual publications such as the Sony World Photography Awards 2019, 35 Photo Awards 2018, and the Somerset House Exhibition in London in 2019.
Conceptual Critique of Hasan Torabi’s Photographs
Today, I, Ali Saadat, as a photo critic, aim to provide an in-depth analysis of two photographs by Hasan Torabi, which I believe are among the most outstanding contemporary and conceptual photographic works. It is not necessary to explain that my photo critique method is conceptual, and I try to avoid technical analyses as much as possible, believing that the concepts behind the creation of an artistic work take precedence. I have two major reasons for this approach, which I will discuss in a separate article.
In this article, we will discuss the works “Culture” and “By Myself”. Despite their different times, concepts, and structures, the works still relate in structure and symbolism.
“Culture” Shortlisted from 2019 Sony World Photography Awards
In 2019, Sony Awards put this work in the portraiture category shortlist. and it was featured prominently on their website as an iconic image. Undoubtedly, this photograph is one of the most notable pieces in fine art photography and portrait photography. Artists whose works reach such levels of media exposure undoubtedly exhibit high technical skills, and their photographs are often judged by their impact and meaning in international photography awards. Hasan Torabi’s “Culture” was very close to winning the portraiture award at the Sony World Photography Awards 2019. Soon, I will provide a detailed article about the winners of this prestigious award.
Carpet as a Symbol and Medium for Iranian Women in a Traditional Context
Our artist speaks about the work “Culture,” staged around the theme of carpet and women, as follows: “Cultural identity is one of the most important pillars of society, which is formed with difficulty and over a long period of time. Iranian culture is also interwoven with weaving art, and Iranian women have left their works in the center of these roles. There are many sorrows, joys, and memories hidden in each carpet knot, and we should not underestimate this spiritual value. In the past, Iranian women used to weave carpets to introduce their art and culture to the world. These days, the art of weaving is being forgotten, and I tried to depict that culture again in this photo.”
I will dissect this statement to show you that this artistic work is more than just a portrait. As a photo critic, I am obligated to reveal deeper layers so that you can explore the artistic and philosophical journey of a work of art within the heart of a society. I believe that a true work of art reflects the impact on an artist and, ultimately, the artist’s reflection on society. Hasan Torabi has executed this movement exceptionally well.
Women and Cultural Identity: An Exceptional Display in “Culture” by Hasan Torabi
One of the greatest struggles of women against discrimination in traditional Iranian society, may have been carpet weaving. It seems they were quite successful in this endeavor, as carpets have become one of the global cultural icons of Iran. Behind this universal beauty lies the beauty of women who have often created such stunning works in their homes. The word “woman” has always been psychologically linked to “creation” in ancient concepts. Despite all the limitations faced by Iranian women, which I will not discuss here, they have revealed their true essence, even if this creation involved long periods and endured emotional and physical suffering due to the time-consuming nature of their work. As creators, they cannot be overlooked, just as the sun cannot be confined in any place.
Aesthetic and Shared Beauty of Women and Carpets in Global Culture
Hasan Torabi’s photo manifesto describes each knot in the carpets’ warp and weft as holding countless memories, sorrows, joys, and stories, enough for many books. The spirituality in this relationship, in my view, is the connection between women and carpets, which has formed a culture that the artist believes is fading today. This is due to transformations in today’s Iranian society, especially in this area. “We should not ignore the role of technology in diminishing the audience’s engagement with this pure art.”
Today’s audiences lack an understanding of aesthetic values. At the very least, I can say that few people recognize the role of human energy and spirituality in artworks created by humans. This is a global issue, exacerbated by AI’s rapid influence, leading audiences towards a superficial and culturally void understanding of aesthetics.
Art as Awareness: Hasan Torabi’s Goal in Capturing “Culture”
“Today, due to the reasons I have mentioned, we lack the dissemination of effective social culture in artworks, and we rarely find artworks with such capabilities reaching audiences.” I am not referring to art galleries and collections, which fulfill their duty and mission. What I am referring to is the presence in people’s homes.
Reference to Benford, Lewis’ Theory on Cultural Identity
Lewis Benford, in his studies, addresses the role of traditional arts in preserving social and cultural identities. He explains that this process strengthens ethnic and local identities, using these arts to transmit values and cultural knowledge.
Notice how our artist crafted a photograph that, though it might receive a simple ‘Wow, how colorful and beautiful!’, actually represents fine art photography. He effectively fulfilled his artistic mission and embedded concepts into our subconscious. I believe Hasan Torabi executed this mission excellently.
“By Myself”: Hasan Torabi’s Unique Artistic Creation Echoing Michelangelo’s Art
Let us remember that this photograph is not just a simple image, and this fact is what led to its barring from the exhibition at the last moment. After watching the series Westworld and Robert Ford’s profound reflections in the first season about Michelangelo’s creation of Adam, He had a serious concern. After viewing this photo, I said to myself how well it has captured this connection. “By Myself” by Hasan Torabi has profound social and sociological concepts embedded within it, particularly relating to women and their role in society, especially in contemporary Iranian society. For reasons, I will not discuss this aspect of its concept today. I hope to gain Hasan Torabi’s permission to delve into a conceptual critique of this work in the future.
Connection Between “By Myself” by Hasan Torabi and Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam
Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” is a famous fresco depicting the Biblical story of the creation of Adam. In this artwork, Adam reclines, seemingly as God has just breathed life into him. On the other side, Eve, holding God’s hand around her neck, looks at Adam, receiving the essence of creation from demiurge.
Integration of “Culture,” “By Myself,” and Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam in One Image
“By Myself” mirrors Michelangelo’s art with remarkable precision and, in my view, stands as a powerful global adaptation. “This work contains meanings that will emerge in the future and adapts Michelangelo’s concept.” Hasan Torabi has also adapted his own “Culture” photo from five years earlier, as discussed at the beginning of the article. I promise a future interview with Hasan Torabi will explore causality and the ancient relationship between men and women in creation.
A Brief Note on Form and Symbolism in “By Myself”
While form isn’t my main focus, discussing it here is crucial; ignoring it would undermine this magnificent work. “In my opinion, the artist arranges the hands in the best possible manner and effectively engages the intelligent viewer’s self-awareness.”
Additionally, the cut hair with its distinct color symbolizes a history spanning centuries in a distorted traditional Iranian culture. “Observe the role of the carpet and note how the artist carefully selected its placement and design with precision.” Accept this brief explanation, and one day, I hope to discuss it further with Hasan Torabi.
The other artwork I reviewed from this artist, “Dreamless”, Torabi continues this exploration through a more limited art language, shifting his focus from cultural levels to the embodied experience of endurance.
Reference to Sophiology and Jungian Psychological Theory
In Sophiology, represented by Russian philosophers, Sophia symbolizes divine wisdom present not only in God but in all creations. It is a creative force manifesting itself in nature and history as a conscious and creative process. Sophia embodies divine creativity and acts as an intermediary through which God creates and guides the world. Additionally, Jung interprets women as symbols of the “collective unconscious” or “anima” in his analytical psychology. Women symbolize hidden and creative aspects of the human mind, acting as a creator within creative processes alongside the ultimate creator.
Final Thoughts on “Culture” and “By Myself” by Hasan Torabi
I’ll conclude here, though I could delve deeper into a critique of these works. I’ll explore further in the future.
“Hasan Torabi captured ‘Culture’ and ‘By Myself,’ two distinct photographs, over five years from 2019 to 2024, and I believe they reflect his mental preoccupations and philosophical and spiritual growth.” Through our many discussions, I believe he will become a globally recognized artist with impactful and enlightening works.
In conclusion, I emphasize that awards like Sony Photography Awards genuinely support and recognize artists. “I hope more talented artists enter competitions for the art, not just awards, as juries value conceptually rich photographs.”
