"Seviel" is a captivating photo series that chronicles the journey of an extraordinary young girl navigating the vibrant underground culture of Tehran. In the midst of documenting skateboarders in urban landscapes, I encountered Seviel, an enigmatic figure standing out as a rare female presence in a predominantly male group. Her distinct appearance and unyielding desire for self-expression set her apart from her peers.
As a photography student delving into a documentary project, Seviel's ordinary yet captivating presence within the skateboarding scene drew me in. Her petite frame, half-painted black nails, oversized boots, and untamed dreadlocked hair accentuated by a black scarf exuded a magnetic allure. Intrigued by her individuality, I sought to capture her essence through portraiture. In April 2011, I captured my first shots of her on the bustling streets, marking the beginning of our photographic journey.
Throughout multiple photoshoot sessions, our conversations delved deeper, uncovering her experiences with drugs and her affinity for psychedelics, including stories of acid trips. She embraced her individuality, unafraid to be herself, and the camera became a witness to her exploration of identity. Seviel had turned eighteen when we started working together, and it became apparent that formal education was not part of her plans. Her family background revealed middle-class roots. In our exchanges, she shared poignant insights into her family dynamic, mentioning that her father had engaged in the same drug consumption she now indulged in, rendering him incapable of providing, and that her mother was a melancholic figure who lacked the motivation to improve her life. Seviel longed for a different existence, an escape from what she perceived as a decaying and stifling Iranian society. She desired to be an accomplished artist but felt trapped within the confines of her current reality. Frustrated with her circumstances, she resorted to drug use as a means of coping, which hindered her ability to establish meaningful connections with others. Despite her dissatisfaction, she held her parents responsible, yearning for them to create an environment that would allow her to lead a normal life. Seviel contemplated leaving Iran, believing that beyond its borders lay a utopia where she could pursue her artistic aspirations. She felt alienated, disconnected from societal norms, and viewed herself as an outlier compared to others. The environment she resided in exacerbated her discontent, further deepening her sense of disillusionment.
Seviel's personal journey unfolded against the backdrop of Iran's social and political scene from 2008 to 2013. The country was characterized by a complex interplay between traditional values and the aspirations of an increasingly globalized young population. Government control over the media and expression restricted political dissent and curtailed freedom of speech. These constraints had a profound impact on teenagers like Seviel, who grappled with the challenge of self-discovery within a society that demanded conformity. The limited avenues for self-expression fostered frustration, compelling young individuals to seek alternative subcultures, artistic outlets, and personal relationships as means of navigating the intricate landscape of identity formation.
Throughout the series, Seviel's evolving appearance mirrored her inner transformation. Her rebellious gothic phase gradually gave way to a glamorous persona. Each photograph documented the details that comprised her unique identity, from her piercing choices to the accessories she adorned, capturing the essence of her surroundings.
While photographing Seviel, I couldn't ignore the potential risks she faced, including the perils of drug consumption, vulnerability to sexual assault, unwanted pregnancies, and diseases. Substantial gaps between our sessions allowed for notable changes in her appearance as she embarked on a contented relationship. From 2012 onwards, she resided with her partner in an abandoned house, stripped of material possessions. Though she no longer felt the need to don elaborate makeup during our shoots, her spirit appeared uplifted.
Our final encounter in 2015 unveiled a completely transformed Seviel. Radiating an aura of mystery and elegance, she had transcended the innocence and enigmatic charm she once possessed in front of the camera. As we strolled through the streets, engaged in conversations, and met her friends, I contemplated the profound metamorphosis she had undergone over those four years. From a goth drug consumer to a drug dealer, Seviel's path defied societal norms, embracing individuality and defying expectations.
“Seviel” documented in my early 20s, serves as a mirror reflecting the hidden layers of both fear and confidence within my personal journey. It resonates deeply, showcasing that if I were to face abandonment from my family, I could, like Seviel, navigate the tumultuous path of lost innocence at the tender age of 18. "Seviel" becomes a profound reflection of my own emotions and experiences, inviting viewers to contemplate the power of self-expression in the face of rejection and the quest for acceptance in a society that often demands conformity.
"Seviel" captures the essence of an 18-year-old girl's quest for self-discovery, delving into themes of identity, rebellion, and the pursuit of acceptance. Combining digital and analog photography, the series not only presents a snapshot of Tehran's life in 2011 but also unveils the hidden layers of fear and confidence within Seviel's transformative process. Through her captivating presence, viewers are invited to reflect on societal expectations, personal choices, and the profound power of self-expression amidst a backdrop of social and political constraints.