Fine Art nominee

Lost Chapter Two is a self-portrait series born from a period of significant physical challenge.
Following a 2022 injury and subsequent 2023 surgery, this project emerged as a photographic odyssey of healing and self-discovery. The journey encompassed vibrant landscapes in Japan, Taiwan, and New York City, culminating in a profound reconnection with nature. However, Lost Chapter Two transcends the realm of the visible, delving into the unseen dimensions of the self and the intricate tapestry of interwoven past, present, and future.
A particularly evocative element within the series is the incorporation of the artist's X-ray photographs. These layered images serve as a potent metaphor for a deeper, more intimate connection with the traversed landscapes. Symbolically, they allude to a fragment of the artist's essence left behind in these cherished locations, a metaphorical shedding of self that resonates with the experience of feeling disoriented while yearning for a sense of belonging.

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.