Fine Art nominee

Unveiling Unexpected Connections:
Trees, the Human Nervous System, and Persian Rug Design.
This series was made during my injuries in June 2022 until after my back surgery in March 2023.
At first glance, trees, the human nervous system, and Persian rug design appear to be entirely distinct entities. However, a deeper exploration reveals intriguing intersections, particularly in the context of human well-being and our relationship with the environment.
Both trees and intricate designs like Persian rugs can be employed as tools for cultivating mindfulness. Individuals can cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress through distraction and refocusing by focusing on the intricate details of a tree’s bark or the
patterns within a rug. This practice allows the mind to temporarily detach from worries, fostering a sense of calm and peace.
These forms, suggestive of a four-dimensional space, invite the viewers to engage in a more profound and nuanced perception of their surroundings.

Tirdad Aghakhani, an accomplished photographer and visual artist based in SF/NYC, is celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his unique style. His work often features ordinary people, artists, and fashion, and is informed by a distinct artistic and poetic vision. Nurtured by his mother from a young age, Tirdad’s passion for art blossomed. He concurrently pursued a degree in graphic design and discovered his love for photography. After assuming the role of director at one of Iran’s largest photography studios in 2006, he later moved to Turkey in 2012, where he served as a post-production manager for a professional commercial photography studio until 2015. Continuing his creative journey, he embarked on an ongoing project photographing portraits of refugees, resulting in a series titled “Torang” (Pheasant), which was later featured in a 2017 exhibition in Los Angeles. Tirdad furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Photography from the Academy of Art University, graduating in 2020. His exceptional photographs have garnered multiple awards and have been showcased in prestigious photo festivals and various magazines, including Vogue. In 2021, he was honored as one of the USA’s top ten fashion photographers.