Our Stone Age
Photographic works by Shadi Ghadirian
Curated by Dr Arshiya Lokhandwala
Presented by Pooja Bajaj
Iranian Shadi Ghadirian’s Our Stone Age brings together three significant photographic series—Qajar (1998), Seven Stones (2013), and Miss Butterfly (2011)—to interrogate the enduring intersections of identity, resilience, and systemic oppression. Through the lens of historical, cultural, and symbolic imagery, Ghadirian crafts a sharp critique of the global and deeply entrenched patriarchal systems that continue to shape women’s lives.
By engaging with local histories while addressing universal issues, Ghadirian’s Our Stone Age critiques the structural forces that perpetuate inequality and suppression. This body of work is a call to action, demanding recognition of these oppressive systems and inspiring the pursuit of meaningful change. Through her art, Ghadirian not only documents these struggles but also empowers viewers to confront the injustices that persist in our contemporary world.
About the Artist:
Shadi Ghadirian (b. 1974, Tehran, Iran) studied photography at Azad University in Tehran, where she developed the foundation for her critically acclaimed work addressing themes of identity, tradition, and gender. Her photography is part of prestigious collections, such as the Smithsonian Institution, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, cementing her position as a significant voice in contemporary art.