Install View_IMG_9619

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Banovan_Statement
Banovan

Banovan [2020-2023]
 
Banovan is a photo-based project produced in 2020 that examines the role of photography in how we understand and make personal, familial, and collective memories. Originating in the artist's desire to connect with an inaccessible family history in Iran, the project employs found family snapshots and combines them with images from a popular Iranian women’s magazine published in the 1950s. Layering and juxtaposing the female subjects pictured in the family photographs and on the magazine’s pages, the interventions create a collision of meanings where personal and sociopolitical narratives intersect. The project also addresses the complicated relationships between familial, cultural, and historical contexts that have influenced women’s lives in Iran.
 
 
Previously exhibited at The Image Centre in Toronto in 2023.

The artist wishes to acknowledge the support of Ontario Arts Council

Install View_IMG_9646

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Install View_IMG_9634

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Install View_IMG_9633

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Install View_IMG_9631

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

Bahar Kamali: Banovan (installation view), 2023 © LF Documentation, The Image Centre

previous arrow
next arrow

Banovan [2020-2021]

‘Banovan’ is a photo-based project that examines the role of photography in how we understand and make personal, familial, and collective memories. Originated out of my desire to connect with an inaccessible family history in Iran, the project employs found family snapshots and combines them with images from a popular Iranian women’s magazine. By layering and juxtaposing the female subjects pictured in family photographs and within the magazine pages, the interventions create a collision of meanings where personal and socio-political narratives intersect. The project also addresses the complicated relationship between familial, cultural and historical contexts that have influenced women’s lifestyle in Iran.

Upcoming Exhibition at Ryerson Image Centre in 2023