in conversation with
iranian photographer
To begin, I need to say that I don’t take interviews lightly. This is not some heady artmag clickbait. This is a conversation between two artists, across the world, who understand risk and create despite the challenges.
janis exploded on the Objkt scene with powerful, vulnerable black-and-white photography that captured the raw energy of self-expression.
It also caught my heart.
Abyss
My whole life has been spent walking by the side of a bottomless chasm, jumping from stone to stone. Sometimes I try to leave my narrow path and join the swirling mainstream of life, but I always find myself drawn inexorably back towards the chasm's edge, and there I shall walk until the day I finally fall into the abyss.
janis
THE CONVERSATION
I asked janis a series of questions
ranging from the creative process to the challenges of creating under the pressure of an oppressive regime. I wanted to explore more about the work that fascinates me with its playful intensity and expressive simplicity.
Most of the photography janis creates highlights human subjects, typically exploring the feminine form in action or motion, frequently with a motion blur. In the contrast between motion and stillness, janis illustrates the mystery of how strength and resilience can be harnessed from adversity.
INDE
Can you talk about the process of creating your photos? How do you find opportunities to capture these powerful moments without attracting unwanted attention?
JANIS
I don't have any photography equipment and
I just take pictures with my mobile and the explanation I always give is to show my feelings and thoughts with my camera. The light of space and frame and love are more important than the model and quality of the camera.
INDE
The themes of freedom, hope and flexibility are repeated in your work. Despite the challenges you face as a photographer in your country, what keeps you motivated to explore and express these issues?
Light comes from the heart of darkness, and
JANIS
the more limited your country is, the more hope those people have, and I am sure that light will win over darkness.
INDE
Can you share your thoughts on the role of art and photography in creating conversations about social issues and cultural limitations? How does your work contribute to these discussions?
JANIS
Art is necessary for life
and my works do not help anything. I live and create.
We are all unique and if we recognize our talents, we can help each other with words. Art connects us and this closeness leads to such conversations.
In fact, identity is not important, what is important is presence. I can hide my name and country, but I cannot hide my thoughts and feelings. Our identity is not our name and place of birth. Identity is our soul.
BRIGHT
Darkness can't
bear your Bright.
on collaboration
INDE
YOU’VE collaboratED with AMAZING ARTISTS like SUEARTENS, Otparchasi, THEMANUALDUDE, ARASHSAHRA, and Elizabedesh. HOW DOES THIS improve the artistic process and help bring your your photographs TO LIFE?
JANIS
Unity is due to being one.
I feel one and close with my friends that I worked with.
I first found them through their art on Twitter and asked them to come in front of my camera or combine photos with Photoshop. And this was the best and most beautiful union for me.
INDE
In "Hope" your collaboration with otparchasi reappears, conveying the longing for light in the midst of darkness. How do these collaborative efforts help you express your feelings and aspirations within the constraints you face?
JANIS
She is my close friend. She is a strong woman and unlike her, I am full of hope and understand her. We are not trying to make our voice heard. We photograph with love and our common pain is visible and we cannot be anything but this.
Belief
The best and most beautiful things in the world can't be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.
INDE
Your belief in the power of light despite the darkness is absolutely inspiring. Can you share more about this?
JANIS
I usually have dark photos and write hopeful text. And in my new collection, I want to show light and hope with my new photos.
Follow janis on social media
Thank you for reading!
ON SOCIAL CHALLENGES
I recently received a call at work from a man who was irate and verbally threatening. This man believed that anything that verges from the mainstream is inherently wrong. We are living in a world where increasing amounts of people feel empowered to force others to obey their vision of how humans should coexist, dress, behave, move, and take care of themselves. The harms that extend from this kind of authoritarian, state-sanctioned, and unjust oppression are innumerable.
I think there’s value in questioning convention, and that bravery is evident here in janis’ work. I feel honored to be a collector, and I’m grateful to janis for taking the time to answer my questions.
If you found this useful or helpful, you can reach out to me at any of my socials at indefatigable.page.