SHAYAN SAJADIAN
Madness
The bustling suburbs of Iran are the backdrop for unusual stories of resilience, struggle, and enduring quests to be seen.
Discrimination, or rejection based on stereotypes leads marginalized individuals to present another image of themselves to get societal mainstream attention. Within the hearts of those marginalized and rejected, a quiet revolution brews, challenging the status quo and daring to reclaim ownership of their identities. With each step taken, a new narrative unfolds, one that speaks of toughness, courage, and the unwavering determination inside the madness to carve out a space in the world where one’s existence is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
The madness of being seen as a hero in a society that has rejected them, the madness that wants to break out of flesh, skin, and bones and turn the gaze of those who have turned away from him, manifests as a silent rebellion against the confines of societal expectations. In the bustling suburbs of Iran, where the weight of judgment hangs heavy in the air, individuals embark on a clandestine journey of self-discovery, yearning for recognition in a world that often overlooks their existence. Yet, within the shadows of neglect, a quiet revolution brews, fueled by the fiery determination to shatter the glass ceiling of invisibility.
Shayan Sajadian was born in 1994 in Shiraz, Iran. After completing his studies in architecture, he began a self-taught journey into photography. His academic background led him to explore the historic parts of Shiraz, where he discovered a peri-urban community overlooked by society and public authorities. This discovery became his primary focus, prompting him to direct his visual exploration across Iran.
Since 2017, his photographs have shed light on an otherwise unseen segment of Iranian society, marked by crime, social transgressions, and prostitution. His consistent presence in these environments has led him to capture the surreal ambiance of these secluded spaces, approaching his subjects with an artistic lens. Through his work, Shayan aims to draw attention to the identity and struggles of these individuals in their quest for social respectability.