ESRA EZIZI

Kermanshah- Mehsa Sifori has been working as a portrait photographer since 1990, taking the photos of artists, especially female artists in Kermanshah. Aiming at creating a memory, she needs support to keep working.

 ‘Professional photographers supported me a lot’

The interest of Mehsa Sifori in photography started in 1990. “I have been interested in photography since 1990. I have a master's degree in computer science but work as a photographer. When I was a student, I was a member of the Association of Photographers in Kermanshah. Many professional photographers supported me a lot. Issa Haj, one of the most important photographers in Iran, was one of them.”

‘We held the Khayyam International Exhibition’

I use photographic techniques to capture the identity, personality, and essence of people, Mehsa Sifori told NuJINHA. “Some of my photographs were displayed at international exhibitions of photography. Together with some colleagues, I held the Khayyam International Exhibition in Kermanshah. We displayed our photographs that were liked by people and photographers. I have held many exhibitions for a charity supporting children with cancer and orphans.”

She aims to make local artists known

After working for years, Mehsa Sifori realized that many people did not know anything about the artists in Kermanshah. “I met many artists that were not known by people. I decided to take their photos because they dedicate their lives to art. I aim to make local artists known by people.”

Mehsa Sifori held her first exhibition without receiving any support. “I did not have a studio and had to rent a studio. I need financial support to keep working. I know an artist, who has been engaged in art since she was 11 and she still works as an artist even though she is 85. The local artists work under difficult conditions and they deserve to be known by everyone. For one of my projects, I have to go to Tehran for a few weeks to take photos of artists of Kermanshah, who live in Tehran; however, the cost of transportation and accommodation is too expensive to cover. I need financial support to realize my project.”

Photography is an art that requires creativity, patience and efforts, Mehsa Sifori said. “I suggest women interested in photography first choose the type of photography that they are interested in. They should be creative and patient and make great efforts to be successful. I also would like to thank all the people who support me. I held an exhibition in Sanandaj a while ago. The people of Sanandaj gave me energy and supported me. I thank them again for visiting my exhibition.”