A new exhibition featuring the work of one of Iran’s most influential photographers has opened at the Prince Claus Fund Gallery in Amsterdam.

Kaveh Golestan’s images of the Iranian revolution in 1979 shocked the world.  His photographs in international newspapers and magazines informed us of the return to power of Ayatollah Khomeini, the war between Iran and Iraq and the Kurdish liberation struggle.  Golestan also made portraits of social groups oppressed by the regime, such as prostitutes, labourers and mentally handicapped children.

Mobile phones
His wife Hengameh, who opened the new exhibition, says there are similarities between the current political upheaval in Iran and the revolution.  But mobile phones now make it possible for anyone to capture the news as it is being made.

“This time the only difference is that news spreads so quickly.  Whatever is happening in Tehran, in five or ten minutes we can see it here.  Everybody is holding a mobile and taking pictures, and minute by minute they just send it to all the websites.  I think this time the only difference is that the news spreads so much quicker than in ’79.”

Tribute
Kaveh Golestan is the only photo journalist who worked continuously in Iran from 1975 until his death in 2003 when he stepped on a landmine while on assignment.  This latest exhibition is a tribute to Golestan’s courage and provides an insight into the events that have helped shape Iran today.

The Prince Claus Fund Gallery is based at Herengracht 603, Amsterdam.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 10.00 - 17.00 hrs
Entrance: free
Kaveh Golestan: Photographer in Iran runs until 31 August

Images courtesy of the Prince Claus Fund