Photo Captions
2013
Two layered digital prints on transparency papers, 8.5 x 11 in. each
In this series, I explore how photograph captions influence the viewer's experience and interpretation of images. By highlighting contrasts between seemingly similar photographs with contradictory captions across different collections, the series underscores the arbitrary nature of these textual identifiers. It also draws attention to the ambiguity involved in classifying and creating "types." Furthermore, the series examines how such captions shape perceptions and contribute to the creation and perpetuation of specific narratives about women, culture, and social history.
Underlay: “Negar Khanum, the favorite woman of the court” Overlay: “Negar Khanum, dancer for the Crown Prince; Negar Kheirabadi [?]”
Underlay: “Negar Khanum” Overlay: “Ghamar al-Saltaneh, the Tar player for the Crown Prince”
Underlay: “Negar Khanum, dancer for the Crown Prince; Negar Kheirabadi [?]” Overlay: “Negar Khanum, the special Tar player for Nasir al-Din Shah Ghajar”
Underlay: “Negar Khanum” Overlay: “Negar Khanum, the special Tar player for Nasir al-Din Shah Ghajar”
Underlay: “Negar Khanum, dancer for the Crown Prince; Negar Kheirabadi [?]” Overlay: “Negar Khanum”
Underlay: “Negar Kheirabadi [?]” Overlay: “Negar Khanum, dancer for the Crown Prince; Negar Kheirabadi [?]”
Underlay: “Negar Khanum, dancer for the Crown Prince; Negar Kheirabadi [?]” Overlay: “Negar Khanum”