Standing in the Dust

Photography of Yalda Moaiery

SCA is proud to bring this photographic exhibition capturing the persistent struggle of a resilient nation against a repressive state.

July 10-July 28

Online Photography store

Standing In The Dust

Photography of Yalda Moaiery

Exhibition: July 10-July 28

Wed. - Sun., 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Opening Reception

Saturday, July 13th

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us as we welcome Yalda Moaiery to SCA and experience the power of her photography. The evening includes a Persian appetizer buffet and SCA’s no-host bar.

Please consider making a $20.00 donation at the door.

Please RSVP here.

Panel Discussion

Sunday, July 14

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please consider making a $20.00 donation at the door.

SOLD OUT

The Sausalito Center For The Arts and Artistic Freedom Initiative are honored to present Standing in the Dust, Photography of Yalda Moaiery.

Yalda Moaiery is a renowned Iranian photojournalist who has expertly captured pivotal moments over the past two decades. Her lens has documented conflicts, wars, and natural disasters, both in Iran and globally. As one of Iran's most dedicated photographers, Yalda's compelling work has been featured in major international publications, earning her widespread acclaim. She received the 2018 Courage in Journalism Award for her iconic image of the 2018 Iranian protests and the 2023 Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists award from the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF). Additionally, Yalda serves as a jury member for the prestigious World Press Photo competition.

Artist Statement:

For many years, I have envisioned this exhibition. It was a dream always within sight yet just out of reach, perpetually elusive. My journey as a photojournalist has been one of resilience and resistance, marked by relentless work punctuated by periods of prohibition. It is difficult for many to comprehend why the work of a photojournalist—whose images reflect the quotidian lives of people—would be deemed threatening, censored, or banned.

This reality speaks volumes about Iran's political repression, where documenting the truth and the daily struggles of its people is criminalized.

For nearly two decades, I have shared with the world glimpses of truth, capturing the persistent struggle of a resilient nation against a repressive state. Each photograph tells a story, representing the trust and courage of individuals who have allowed me to share their narratives. Their awareness of the power of imagery has fueled my dedication. The raw, unvarnished truths of social and political moments recorded by my lens invite viewers on a journey through pain, suffering, repression, and violence. Yet, amid these harsh realities, we also witness a society that refuses to succumb, a society that creatively challenges the state’s dominant narrative and strives for a future defined by its own vision.

Documenting these intimate and powerful moments comes at a tremendous cost. Many photojournalists in Iran have faced summons, arrests, and imprisonment. From the early days of my career, I experienced state pressure to conform my photography to their guidelines, portraying an image of my people that suited their propaganda. But that was not my path. Almost twenty years ago, I was summoned, arrested, and spent days in solitary confinement for covering a student protest. My photos, published by various international outlets, provided an unfiltered view of Iranian students' fight for democracy. That experience marked the beginning of many such encounters as I continued to serve as an impartial chronicler of my country’s realities.

In a society where discrimination against women permeates every facet of state policy, working as a female photojournalist presented unique challenges. From the frontlines of protests to the most private moments, I bore witness to the myriad obstacles faced by women across Iran. Their struggles and their indomitable courage in challenging forbidden social and political norms drew me deeper into their world, allowing me to capture some of the most iconic moments in our history, where women stand at the forefront.

Over the past twenty years, I have devoted myself to documenting the struggles of Iranian women: their defiance against government dress codes, their relentless pursuit of education, their battles in courts for the custody of their children, and their empty-handed protests in the streets. Women’s issues and their relentless quest for freedom have dominated my work, reflecting the pervasive oppression and discrimination rooted in my gender and the patriarchal nature of my profession.

This exhibition marks the first time I am presenting these photographs collectively. Previously published alongside news reports, these images now stand together, inviting viewers to witness two decades of Iranian life up close. You may enter this exhibition with numerous questions; you might find some answers, but you may also leave with even more questions. Regardless, I owe profound gratitude to those who trusted my camera's presence, recognizing the power of images, and allowing me to share their stories. Through their bravery, we gain deeper insights into Iran, its people, and their enduring quest for freedom.Iran.

Click here to be redirected to the SCA Shopify site featuring the photography of Yalda Moaiery.

In the news: “Yalda Moaiery on her life’s work photographing Iranian women, social movements,” DateBook

Click here to be redirected to our Volunteer Page

Panel Discussion: The Power of Photography in Defying Censorship

Sunday, July 14

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please RSVP here

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion presented in conjunction with Yalda Moaiery's evocative photo exhibition hosted by the Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) and the Sausalito Art Center For The Arts. Yalda Moaiery, a distinguished photojournalist and 2024 World Press Photo Jury member, will share her recent experiences from Iran, highlighting the critical role of photography in confronting censorship and repression, a conversation that will delve into the profound impact of photojournalism in shaping and challenging social and political narratives in Iran.

Ashley Tucker, Co-Executive Director of the Artistic Freedom Initiative, will discuss the broader dynamics affecting Iranian artists under oppressive regimes, emphasizing the importance of sustaining their creative engagement. Jason Rezaian, a seasoned journalist from The Washington Post, who worked as a journalist for more than a decade in Iran, will offer poignant personal stories underscoring the potent synergy between images and journalism in advocating for truth amidst severe censorship. The panel will be moderated by Persis Karim, the Neda Nobari Distinguished Chair and Director of the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at San Francisco State University.

Speakers:

- Yalda Moaiery: Photojournalist, World Press Photo Jury 2024

- Jason Rezaian: Journalist, The Washington Post

- Ashley Tucker: Co-Executive Director, Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI)

- Persis Karim: Neda Nobari Distinguished Chair and Director of the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, San Francisco State University (Moderator)