Expo: Forough Alaei

Six photographs by Iranian photographer Forough Alaei are on exhibition at Theater aan het Spui during the festival. Forough has been creating different images of Iranian women for years. From beach life to the woman who attended a football match disguised as a man. Among other projects, Forough provided the photos for the Times Heroes of the Year 2022 spread.

About Forough Alaei

Forough Alaei was born in 1989 in Iran, where she studied law. She was also a keen painter. 
When undertaking her undergraduate studies, she began to recognize the enormous inequality faced by women. Searching for a new avenue to express these thoughts, she turned to photography. As a painter, she had a keen eye for color and framing; and as a law student, she was versed on the difficulties facing Iranian women.

Alaei started photography in 2015 and become a photojournalist for Donya-e-Eghtesad newspaper, the most famous economic daily in Iran. In a short time, she became fond of documentary photography and filmmaking.

Based on her background, as well as research interests, she explores issues related to humanity and social matters with a special focus on women’s right. Her work follows Iranian female football fans who are banned from entering the stadiums. Forough is subject to many risks while carrying out her projects, which can be considered a sign of her passion for giving a voice to her subjects.