In September I had the privilege of photographing the opening event for Firstsite‘s special year-long exhibition by Iranian rug maker, Mehdi Jalalaghdamian: Art In Exile.
“Currently seeking asylum in the UK, Mehdi draws attention to the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide through the traditional craft of Persian rug making.
Art in Exile features three rugs made by Mehdi during his time as a refugee in Stockholm, Sweden.
The pain-staking method of making each piece is a metaphor for Mehdi’s journey to establish a new life far from his home in the city of Tabriz, one of the centres of the hand-made carpet industry in Iran.” – Firstsite
It is an extremely powerful and moving exhibition, sharing a vital message about global migration through incredible craftsmanship. I highly recommend visiting if you are able.
Below are some photographs from the wonderful opening event, but visit Firstsite’s website to find out more about the exhibition.
Mehdi Jalalaghdamian: Art In Exile is open until Sunday 6 September 2023 at Firstsite.
Firstsite
Lewis Gardens, High Street,
Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH
Website: firstsite.uk
Telephone: 01206 713 700
Email: info@firstsite.uk
Opening times: Exhibitions, cafe and shop open daily 10am – 5pm.
Cinema screenings & scheduled events continue into the evenings.