Female Iranian photographer unveiling the turmoil of war

Iranian photographer Shokoufeh Malekkiani blends her extraordinary artistic vision with a dedication to philanthropic causes as she continues to make a difference in this world. According to Malekkiani, �the power of art is limitless,� and it is her greatest hope that she is able to leverage that artistic power to shed light on some of humanity�s most devastating realities. She uses her compelling and memorable photographic images to depict and explore the plight of the poor, needy, veterans, and all those who suffer.

Malekkiani�s photographs on canvas are stark in their execution, resulting in edgy compositions that render the emotive elements of the images all the more powerful. There is a sharp juxtaposition between the pure white robe her elusive figures are draped in and the harsh metallic solidness of the artifact of war they carry. Always the faces are hidden, which enables a strong emphasis on those objects of war and the depth of meaning they contain.

According to Malekkiani, �As both a lawyer and an artist, I have dedicated by life to helping not only the underprivileged in my country of Iran but those across the world. I believe that the power of art is limitless, and I use my success in the art world to directly help those who need it and to reflect the reality I see around me with honesty and integrity. For me, that is the true value of art. I have found the International day of Peace, 21th September, a very great opportunity to show the world my anti-war and peaceful photos from my latest photographic series is called �The Soul of War.� which I have taken with the aim of world peace.

I want us to never forget the life sacrifice that men and women have made to bring us and our homeland great peace, as well as those who are still suffering from their combat in war. I hope that my photographs demonstrate a great appreciation for the men and women who have fought for our safety and freedom. Their absence is the reason for our presence today. May God keep them in peace.�

Shokoufeh Malekkiani has received several international awards for her work and serves as the Honorable Artistic Consultant for the United Nations, WFP.

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