Photos by

Mohamadreza Esfahani

The Echoes: Sari Nights

Photo collection

Sari, a city of vibrant rhythm and fertile landscapes, is both my birthplace and my home—a place where bustling streets hold the countless memories of my childhood. The Echoes; Sari Nights emerges from this intimate connection, a collection that captures the interplay between personal nostalgia and the universal solitude of urban life.

Created during a challenging year marked by bittersweet moments, these images reflect nights spent cycling aimlessly through the city, a quiet escape from days filled with solitude and introspection. This collection is deeply rooted in my artistic practice, which explores the complex relationship between the individual and the modern world. Through this series, I delve into themes of identity, alienation, and the emotional resonance of urban spaces.

Inspired by introspective musings during solitary hours, I used color negative film to translate my emotions into visuals. The distinctive grain, imperfections, and unique hues of the film imbue these images with raw depth, adding a layer of emotional texture. The imperfections mirror the flaws and beauty of the human experience, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates deeply with my vision.

Recurring elements in this series include:

  • Silhouettes and empty spaces: These symbolize the isolation and anonymity often felt within urban environments, juxtaposed against Sari’s bustling streets.
  • Contrasting light and shadow: This interplay captures the emotional tension of navigating personal identity amidst societal and cultural influences.
  • A nostalgic lens: Drawing from my memories, I explore a search for identity intertwined with the timeless spirit of Sari’s nights.

At its core, The Echoes; Sari Nights reflects my artistic ethos: to use photography as a means of exploring the nuances of the human condition within the modern world. By examining the contradictions inherent in contemporary life—moments of profound solitude in a vibrant, interconnected city—I invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences of belonging, memory, and identity.

Through these images, I seek to create a bridge between personal emotion and universal resonance, offering a space for introspection amidst the echoes of Sari’s nights.



Camera: Canon F1
Film: Kodak Colorplus 200
Scanned from Film scanner

The Echoes: Sari Nights