TEHRAN – An exhibition opened at Tehran’s No. 6 Gallery on Friday showcasing photos by Mehdi Monem that turn the spotlight on landmine victims in Iran.

In his new series titled “After the War”, Monem shows ordinary people who were injured by landmines leftover from the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war that were laid mainly in border towns, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Saturday.

“This collection contains 12 black and white portraits of victims in addition to photos of a family injured after Iraq’s chemical attack on the Iranian village of Zardeh near Dalahu in Kermanshah Province on July 22, 1988, after Iran had accepted UN Resolution 598, which ended the Iran-Iraq war on July 20 1988,” Monem explained.

“Another collection centers on a young couple. The man named Sala has lost his two eyes and hands in a landmine explosion, but his wife Serveh is an educated woman who is physically healthy and has chosen to marry Sala.

“The photos show the young couple’s life and daily activities,” Monem added.

On his aim behind the subjects of his photos, Monem said, “These subjects are a part of the history of Iran. They are about a great event, which has happened in the country. Actually, war is history and all the related events are part of this great history. I try to record that part of history, which future generations would surely want to see, and I also intend to state that war is something ugly and is not acceptable regardless of what the reason might be.”

He continued, “The photos can help peace. I make all my efforts to show that war is not a desirable event and we are all committed to strive to establish genuine peace. These photos are actually the ambassadors of peace.”

The photographer also mentioned that the Red Crescent has been supporting him. “This means it has been a successful job”, he remarked.

The exhibit will be running until September 23 at the gallery located at No.2, 20th Alley, off Mirzaye 
Shirazi St.

Photo: Art fans visit an exhibition of photos by Mehdi Monem on landmine victims in Iran at Tehran’s No. 6 Gallery on September 16, 2016. (Honaronline/Farzan Qasemi)

RM/YAW