Mahdiyeh Afshar Bakeshloo
In this image, a person is surrounded by layers of white plates simple yet numerous stacked like overlapping coverings that prevent us from seeing the inner depth of a human being at first glance. This arrangement can symbolize the complex layers that make up each person’s existence, layers that are shaped over time by experiences, fears, hopes, and beliefs.
Contrary to the common assumption that peace is something external, dependent on society, politics, or global events, I believe that peace is first and foremost an inner process within human beings. Just as the plate covering the person’s face hides their true identity, our existential layers sometimes prevent us from truly understanding ourselves or being understood by others. The formation of each layer, and the way it settles on top of the previous one, can shape our character and ultimately influence the quality of our relationship with the world.
These layers are like the pages of an unwritten book one that exists within every human. From the outside, everything may appear simple, white, and uniform, but in reality each individual carries a complex inner world. Peace becomes possible when a person can flip through these inner pages, understand themselves, and reconcile with their layers.
Peace is not something imposed from the outside, nor something that emerges suddenly through a collective decision; peace begins the moment a person finds calmness, understanding, and acceptance within their own inner layers. When someone is at peace with themselves, their view of the world and their interactions with others naturally become gentler and more humane. To build a more peaceful world, we must first begin from within ourselves.
Mahdiyeh Afshar Bakeshloo is a fine art and conceptual photographer based in Iran. Much of her work explores human emotions and the connection between one’s inner world and the surrounding universe. Her photographs are often presented in black and white, and she frequently incorporates the human figure and symbolic object arrangements to convey her artistic vision. Her work also reflects the essence of humanity in our contemporary era, offering a thought provoking perspective on the condition of modern individuals.
“Deep Inside”, 2023, silk paper print (50cm x70cm)