Photographs by Maryam Zandi
March 27, 2000 The Iranian
While the power struggle between reformists and conservatives
rages on, one tends to overlook the enormous impact of artists on Iranian
society at large. Extremism, censorship and repression have marginalized
many artists. More than a few have even died for their beliefs. But their
free spirit and humanity have been a major source of inspiration and earned
them a special place in people's hearts.
Maryam Zandi's portraits perfectly capture the mood among Iranians artists.
There are many unsmiling faces, but few broken spirits.
Zandi, 53, was born in the northwestern Iranian town of Gorgan. She
is a graduate of Tehran University's School of Law and Political Science.
She worked as a staff photographer for National Iranian Radio and Television
and its weekly Tamasha form 1971 to 1983.
While the power struggle between reformists and conservatives
rages on, one tends to overlook the enormous impact of artists on Iranian
society at large. Extremism, censorship and repression have marginalized
many artists. More than a few have even died for their beliefs. But their
free spirit and humanity have been a major source of inspiration and earned
them a special place in people's hearts.
