Ashtary Design

by Ashtary Design on December 7, 2007

Cover of View From Here

Purchase Iran: View From Here, a book of photographs

From A Love Letter from Iran, a review by author Kamin Mohammadi:

In describing Iran one is in danger of wearing out that age-old cliché — this is a land of contrasts — and Tori and Kamran’s book does not attempt to explain away the complexity or many contradictions or try to make sense of them. But within the atmospheric range of images and bittersweet essays printed here, they beautifully capture and communicate the immense charm of Iran, its ability to enslave the heart, and the tenacity of its hold over the affections in spite of the frustrations of living there. Most of all, this book is a visual love letter to a country that can befuddle the mind and nourish the soul all at the same time.

Read the rest online at Payvand.

Available in select bookstores. Click here for availability in Amsterdam.

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The price of $23.00 does not include shipping. Shipping takes 1-3 weeks.

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Iran: A View from Here features photographs taken over three years of living in Iran. It is a personal account that features images of Iran that not only include the snow-covered mountains and desert expanses that surround the county but also images that define the culture of Iran: images of mourning and celebration, of day-to-day life, and of special events. We’ve captured an Iran that eludes the casual visitor and often escapes the notice of professional photographers. To order a copy of the book, click on one of the “buy now” buttons above.

The cost of the book is $23.00 plus shipping and taxes. Shipping is $2.50 per book in the US and about €6.80 per book outside the US.

“The most elaborate method to try to understand Iran is captured in the pages of this book. To live in Iran like Tori and Kamran have done, means riding a constant rollercoaster of impressions. Every time you think you have it all figured out, Iranians surprise you.”

–Thomas Erdbrink

Thomas Erdbrink is the Iran-based Middle East correspondent for the Dutch daily newspaper NRC. He has worked and lived in Iran since 2001.

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Landscapes Unknown II

by Ashtary Design on November 27, 2007

Landscapes Unknown II

Kamran and I saw the documentary film Landscapes Unknown II, which was astounding in its portrayal of the artist’s vision. The filmmakers Melle van Essen and Riekje Ziengs were able to bridge the distance between the the viewer and the artist and, in a sense, give us new eyes to see with.

At one point, the artist Frans Walon who is completely obsessed with capturing the things that he sees says that we all secretly hope that after death we will continue to see. When I heard that, I realized that, of course, he is correct.

If you are in Amsterdam, you can see the film at the International Film Festival (IDFA) at these times:

Tuschinski 2, Thu 29 Nov. 12:30
Tuschinski 4, Fri 30 Nov. 19:00
Compagnie – Grote Zaal, Sun 02 Dec. 16:30

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