LAILA

it would wonderful to have the schedule of the exhibit tour on the website.. i dont want to miss it if you were in LA.

Mariam

What a wonderful creation !! My hat is off for you!! Thank you !!!!

Eva Gorman

People, get a grip. This astonishing exhibition is putting a face on a nation that to most Americans has either no face, or is the face of evil. This show cannot be everything to everybody but for those of us who do not want a war with Iran, putting Iranian faces out there for contemplation is a very good start. Thank you for creating Pictures of You. No War With Iran.

Anonymous

This is a wonderfully creative representation of modern day Iran. This is certainly how Iran looks under oppression. The danger of this unopposed view, is the assumption that this is in any way \"normal\" Iran. It isn\'t. The grand mosque-like dome, the great image of a kindly mullah at the entrance, and all the headscarves on women, is not the real Iranian character or nature. To free Iranians, these are symbols of oppressive anti-freedom, anti-Iranian-ness. While you no doubt felt the touch of the real Iranian people in your travel, you have unfortunately perpetuated the current stereotypical view of Iran in your piece. That it is a traditionally moslem society (it is not), and that people are generally happy under the archaic rule of Eslam, and that it is common and usual for Iranian women to cover up like this, and for all to have their mouths continually censored. Thanks for caring, but this isn\'t helping Iran become free. It is justifying the current oppression by normalizing and humanizing it. You could have also done the exact same thing in 1930\'s era Germany if you had visited and chosen to depict the Hitler Youth movement as \"charming\". Thanks but no thanks.

patsy sinclair

I am a British person who has made the USA my home. It more than frustrates me how a nation\'s collective mind can be influenced by politicians. I believe more cross culture learning should be given in schools so children grow up understand the huge significance of Iran and where civilisation was born. Installations like that of yours is a tremendous effort in opening up closed minds. I found it very moving and puts a human face on broad brushstroke assumptions.
thank you.

belle

Wow. There are lots of different opinions here. What matters is that this exhibit is making people think. Well-thought out opinions result in change. Regardless of how you feel about the art, we owe the artist gratitude for making us think about Iran.

Alex Shey

I admire the artistic aspect of this project because it shows the innocence of Iranians and all humanity.

After all, we now know that our thoughts and ideas are based on what we accepted as truth from others and not our own real experience.

That is my only concern with this work of art, because it may mislead some who have not experienced iran and rely solely on your information.

For example while Iranians may love freedom of speech like us, they are not experiencing it or enjoying it.

For example.

In America I can say Jesus is a piece of shit publicly anywhere and have the possibility to change myself from anything to anything. In Iran saying the prophet Mohammad is a piece of shit and publicly create an organization for freedom of thought in every town in Iran on the subject is punishable by death.

I also have a sincere interest in the welfare of Iranians and based on my conversations with those who have lived there all their lives I see big issues your art misses.

I really wish you would portray more of what the majority of the people feel.

Actually if your art was closer to the truth of what Iranians feel, it would show Iranians paranoia about their security because of fear of each other, it would also show peoples sincere regret that with over three trillion dollars of oil wealth in the last 30 years how much poorer they are than where they used to be, that corruption is hundreds of times worse than it ever was before the revolution, how harsh life is for over 40 % who are unemployed and living below the poverty line, and 8% that are living with malnutrition etc.

My belief and suggestion.

All aspects of the truth is what art should represent, because if unbalanced it is more like fantasy, while true in part.

Mojgan

Do you have a schedule yet?? Will you post it here?
Great job and good luck

Kesley

Some of the comments below are quite disturbing. It is interesting to see how people can use these images to express their anger about the issues that are going on in the country. In my eyes, this art is not about showing the pain, it is about showing the life in this country. We all know the horrible things that are happening all over the world, but this art is a chance to look at life from all angles and inspire us too see the humanity in all people.

BG

Art should always have the ability to rise above politics and propaganda in search of our collective soul. Surely that is its mission. For those who cannot see past anger and hatred,... you will find it much closer to home if that is your preference. But if for just a moment or two we can stop to appreciate the inherent beauty and quiet grandeur of the human spirit in all people,... the perhaps there is hope.

Perfect intent, and a successful provocation of thought and emotion.

Anoosh

Your idea & work are beautiful, very successful in conveying the humanity of a people our government is portraying as our enemy. My mother is from Iran (Persian Armenian), I was born and raised in NYC. I understand the feelings of some of the Iranians\' comments here, but I think they miss the point. This isn\'t about propaganda -- it\'s art. There are many oppressive, torturing regimes around the world, but the US is not threatening to invade them. To those who want things to change in Iran -- do you think what the US has done in Iraq & Afghanistan the last 5 years has helped? I don\'t know what the solution is. But be assured that the majority in the US don\'t know anything about your culture, and have a very negative view about all Middle/Near Eastern people. They really do need to be shown positive images, because all they have seen are portrayals of terrorists.

Anonymous

I like what you have done - it is much needed. Forget about these people who want public hanging pictures. There are many bad things in every society, but 99% of the society is represented by good.

Maziar Irani

Interesting photography, but it does not show the reality of the country that I recently left! As Zahra said, where are the pictures of the hangings, public flogging, millions of addicts, official criminals and the majority below poverty line? Where are the pictures of thousands of political prisoners and mass graves of the tens of thousands of those killed by the regime?

Curt Sallinger

After talking with Tom Loughlin about my posting on 26 August, I am satisfied that the person in question was not a staffer of \"Pictures of You.\" I retract my posting. Thanks for running a fair site Tom.

Zahra Alavi

Did you consult with the Isalmic Republic what pictures to include in your exhibit? If not, where are the pictures of the public hanging in the streets? How about thousands of the sick children dying on the streets?

I guess the mullahs couldn\'t have asked for a better bublic relations show.

Bahramerad

Do you provide free \'Rose tinted\' glass at your shows? - I\'ll like to know what the other side of Iran looks like.

Curt Sallinger

When do I get to see the \"picture of me\" that was taken Monday by one of your staffers right before he called me an \"idiot\" for my Republican T-Shirt? Nice inclusive crowd you\'ve got there - then again, I guess that\'s the way things go in Iran as well - surveillance, intimidation for clothing choices. I guess you\'ve really recreated the cultural vibe inside Iran.

Reiko Redmonde

I am here with the Revolution Newspaper in Denver for protests at the DNC. A focus of my efforts is to protest the possible impending US attack on Iran which would be catastrophic and a crime against humanity. The piece is beautiful and contemplative. Thank you.

ali kimiai

Mr. laughlin you forgot the photos of public hanging in the streets of Tehran while small childeren watching.

Kathleen W

Exceptional. I enjoyed the exotic beauty, as well as the subtle irony of seeing the Capital and courthouse buildings through the transparent silk walls while drifting through the magical images of ordinary Iranian life (Denver)

anonymous

The Los Angeles Fair is Sept 5th - 28th. I think it would be an important place to show your amazing work.

anonymous

I wish you the very best in your endeavors. What a beautiful idea. I hope that I\'m able to see one of your shows!

Shari G

Thank you for your work and dedication. It\\\'s sad the people in the US really need to be reminded that the people in my beautiful country are exactly that, people, just like everybody else. And to all the other so called \\\"iranians\\\" responding with hateful comments: you don\\\'t deserve to be called iranians as long as you advocate the same fate for my people as for the poor, lovely people of Iraq.

Christopher Wren

I think this is a great idea. I really would like to see all the pictures close up. I have the greatest respect for the Iranian people. One only has to look at the Olympics to see that people the world over are just like us no matter what posture their government takes. If we cannot understand and respect cultural differences, we should offer our opinions only after much personal introspection.

Abby Satori

I just read your statement and look forward to volunteering and viewing your exhibit this Tues during the DNC.

Gabi

Tom.
Amazing and powerful. What wonderful work.
I still hope you come to Portland some day!

orangutan

Yes, it is true that the Iranian government is oppressive and that people are being tortured. But that is not a reason to criticize this work. Indeed, it is very important to show the faces of Iranians in their happy moments, to remind us that these millions of people are fundamentally similar to us, with many of the same hopes and aspirations - family, health, prosperity, education, freedom..

Look at these faces to see who is being oppressed and tortured.

I have not been to Iran, but I have visited many \'third world\' countries. Everywhere I have been, the vast majority of people are warm, welcoming, friendly, and kind. The governments, the armies and the criminals (not necessarily three distinct groups) stand in the way of the basic human connections through which peace, prosperity and health might be developed among the various peoples of the world.

Jamie

Beautiful. A hopeful bridge of images to span a valley of misunderstanding. Salaam. Peace be upon us all.

anonymous

I think this exibit is brilliant!! If you are going to show it at the Democratic Convention why not come to Minneapolis (my home town, strong art community!) for the Republican Convention? I don\'t think it has to be so limited to a partisan side-that only emphasises the polarity of the US political scene. I would also love to see the show in \'real time\' and share it with friends and family. Thank you so much for creating such a space for discussion. Much love!

Sandra Hart

Dear Tom,

Please consider showing your exhibition in Washington, D.C. (a good contact perhaps being the Middle East Institute)...As a political focal point this would be an excellent opportunity to test out the impact of your images on a highly politicized american audience....

I have to say, from a visual anthropology perspective, I completely disagree with Jacob Freeze and am impressed by the thought that has gone into the presentation. The ideas of mirroring and transparence (i.e. the silk effect) marry to create an image that deepens the current american impression of persian life and culture, changing it from a one-dimensional political view to a multi-dimensional understanding of Iran as a country with a vibrant culture and people who reflect the everyday exercise of being human which is universal....congratulations on this project. Please consider showing it internationally as opposed to just in the US.

Christophe T. Brown

We are all human beings and we all come from the same source: life!

Jacob Freeze

You\'re so determined to hustle your fucking \"installation\' that you don\'t even bother to show the photographs. It\'s impossible to get a good look at the Iranians who are supposedly the subject of the show, and what little I can see of it is just a bunch of undistinguished head-on snapshots. Even the fourth-grade goodygoody rationale... look, Iranians are people, too!... gets lost in self-promotion, and the pretense of a \"higher purpose\" makes the whole thing offensive, instead of merely lame.

But...

When I read the hate-Iran comments that have accumulated on your website, I have to give you some credit for making a gesture in the right direction, however feeble it may be.

Next time maybe you can pay a little more attention to the subject instead of obsessing about presentation to the virtual exclusion of reaching any depth with your images, as far as I can judge from the little you show of them here.

Ordinary Iranians deserve something better than the mullahs, and they also deserve something better than the Norman Rockwell goodygoodyism of this show.

J.F.

Robert Butler

My previous post was made before I read other posts. Having no personal knowledge of life in Iran I can only rely on what is told. This is likely true of the other commentators.
For those highly critical of the regime I hope there information is reliable.
Still, I don\'t think one can hold sympathy toward the people of Iran and yet support bombing and killing them no matter their politicl persuasion.
Peace.

Robert Butler

This photographic work is important and timely. It can help to humanize these people and with luck help prevent bombs being dropped on them.

I suggest incorporating and dessiminating videos of everyday life in Iran. Show the families and workers. Show the children learning and playing. Show their artistic endeavors and civil works.

mike

you should bring your show to canada.our government simply mimics yours.people here have a negative view of iran.our prime minister is disgraceful.

coker_n

What a joy! I am so enthralled and telling everyone. The execution of outdoor display is wonderful, magical and lovely. Please show a calendar of presentations on your website. I will be giving your website to some artists and communities who would love to have your work. Blessings on your success and vision.

Peace

You have a very good idea in showing the faces of the people of Iran. But also show the lanscapes too. People dont know about the beautiful architecture, land (forests, snow capped mountains, the young people skiing, and just every day life, the multiple ethnicities and religions living together there, the yamulka wearing jew in Iran praying as he pleases in synagogue or the numerous X-mas tree shops in Dec. etc). Don\'t listen to the negative propaganda comments recently placed against your idea. Those are from paid agents profiting from war and hatred. Keep up the wonderful work!

Terri Nelson

Hi Tom - please reconsider showing \"Pictures of You\" at RNC in St. Paul. Although Lower Landing Park may appear less desirable than a park in the heart of the city, there is great significance to being on the shores of the Mississippi, It is a geographic division in our country; water binds all countries and continents together; we need faces of hope and love displayed during this time when more effort is given to our differences than our commonalities. The park is an easy walk from the Xcel center and downtown. Thank you!

Mani Karimi

Ahmad Batebi arrived in the United States after years of torture and imprisonment. Broke, weak and afraid, Batebi described his flight from Iran through a free Iraq to The New York Times today. He tells of the Iranian agents who followed his escape from Iran and he talks about the day in 1999 that made him famous. It is an unimaginable story of heartache and courage.
Here, Batebi talks about the brutality of the regime:


Mr. Batebi described 17 months in solitary confinement, including repeated torture by interrogators trying to force him to say on television that the famous T-shirt was stained with paint or animal blood.

His jailers thrashed him with a metal cable, beat his testicles and kicked in his teeth, he said. They held his face down in a pool of excrement. They tied his arms behind his back and hung him from the ceiling. At other times, strapping him to a chair, they kept him awake night after night, cutting him and rubbing salt into the wounds.

To stave off madness, he said, he fought back. \"If the interrogator cursed me, I would curse him back,\" he said. \"If the interrogator hit me, I\'d try to hit him back.\"
DO YOU REALY THINK THESE PEOPLE WILL TALK TO US? PRESIDENTS RAGAN,h.w.bUSH ADN CLINTON TRIED IT FOR 16 YEARS AND w bUSH HAS BEEN CONTINUING IT.GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TALKS.

Manda Zand Ervin

I wished you would see Iranian women hung, stoned and in prisons.Iranian children hungry on the side walks.Women living under fear and with no protection before you supported the Theocracy that has befallen them. You would not wish those things on your own people but you sanction them on the women and children of Iran.Freedom is human instinct not a culture.26 years of negotiation has given us today how about supporting the people of Iran who are our friends, for a change?

hamshahri

Love those VEILED women...NOT! Quit putting IRan on a pedestal until their government learns how to get along with the rest of the world and ...oh yeah...stop hanging its juveniles (3 today).

Ardeshir Dolat

If you have not been paid by the Islamic regime to do this then I must say you are a simpleton. What you see on the streets of Iran is not the reality of Iranian life. It is the reality of a regime that is hated by nearly all Iranians. What you are doing is not at all \'art\' it is propaganda for the Islamic regime. You want to show the image of Iran? Try the pain and sufferings Iranians have endured in the last 30 years.

Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi

As the daughter of an Iranian political prisoner, an activist, an Iranian woman AND an art historian, I must say that your work is utterly ridiculous. Your work, on the political level and aesthetic level is a best sentimental mediocrity and at worse, just propaganda. Shame on you...and shame on those Iranians who feed you this garbage.

serjo

hi there
this is serjo i don\'t know you still remember or not i\'m the driver that you mate in tehran

Yechdosay Chahar

Thank you for your question and your interest in the show. Do you have a suggestion for something I might photograph?

To answer your question, I have photographed Americans during my travels, but not as part of a project. I am hoping that touring with \"pictures of you: Images from Iran,\" I will be able to document Americans\' responses to meeting their Iranian counterparts.

Yechdosay

Michael \"Hadad\" Hunt

Do you ever photograph americans?

Marsi Frey

Hello,
Thank you for your work and inspiration on this project. I think it is really relevant and a lovely way to create a possibility for us all to connect with others on a global level and to spur thought...particularly given the potential issues that are being currently pushed by our government toward Iran. It looks amazing. Thank you.