Fazilat Soukhakian — Under the Same Sky

"Under the Same Sky" invites viewers into a profound journey through time and space, captured through the lens of personal experience and observation. The collection spans from 2006 to the present, reflecting Fazilat Soukhakian’s dual perspectives from Iran to the United States. Despite the stark differences between these societies, the photographs highlight universal themes of pain, loss, grief, inequality, discrimination, and injustice that transcend geographical boundaries.

Soukhakian eloquently expresses how the pursuit of power perpetuates various forms of inequality—racial, sexual, religious, and social—across different cultures. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is a resilient thread of humanity that emerges. Pain, an inevitable facet of life, becomes a catalyst for resistance, strength, and ultimately, transformation. Each photograph serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity.

"Under the Same Sky” encapsulates the shared human experience regardless of location or societal advancement. It speaks to the commonality of emotions that bind us together—emotions that are captured and conveyed through the interplay of color, light, and the empowering narratives within each image.

The exhibition features two distinct collections and contrasts two significant phases of Soukhakian’s artistic journey. The first collection highlights her early photographic journey, focusing on her observations of the society she grew up in and capturing her explorations of society through a photojournalistic lens. This body of work reflects the world around her, revealing the intricacies of life and culture that shaped her perspective.

In contrast, the second collection is deeply personal, delving into her intimate experience of loss and grief following her father's passing. Each photograph in this series celebrates an object, memory, or relationship, intricately intertwined with emotion. Framed in wooden boxes, the works evoke themes of death and loss, while incorporating natural elements—both dried and fresh plants—that illustrate the cycle of life and death. These everyday items serve as vessels of emotion, preserving memories and offering solace to those left behind. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own past, fostering a shared sense of consolation in the beauty and universality of grief.

Together, these collections offer a poignant reflection on both the external world and the internal landscapes of human experience.

Fazilat Soukhakian is an Iranian-American artist, photographer and scholar who is currently an Associate Professor of Photography at Utah State University.

Beginning her career in a challenging environment for women in photojournalism, she broke barriers to become one of Iran's few female photojournalists. Her experiences in Iran, marked by social and political upheaval, greatly influenced her perspective and artistic direction. Upon moving to the United States, Fazilat pursued higher education, earning both an MFA and a Ph.D. in Architectural History. This academic background, coupled with her practical experience as a photojournalist, enriches her approach to photography as a tool for social change and justice.

Fazilat Soukhakian's work is characterized by its focus on marginalized individuals and communities, highlighting their stories of bravery, strength, and resilience. Through her photography, she aims not only to document these narratives but also to inspire and empower others. Her exhibitions and publications both nationally and internationally underscore the impact and reach of her work, which engages audiences around the world with themes of social justice and human dignity. By consistently highlighting the voices and experiences of those often overlooked or marginalized, Fazilat Soukhakian contributes significantly to the dialogue on equality, empowerment, and the universal human experience through the lens of her camera.

As an Iranian woman, artist and photographer, politics have always defined my life. I lived my childhood during the eight years of war between Iran and Iraq. I grew up with a fear of war, the sounds of bombings and the nightmares of death and the loss of my loved ones. At the same time, from early childhood, I witnessed the concept of discrimination and inequality as a woman in a patriarchal society. This Form of Marginalization by my own society formed the basis of the drive behind my work to help spread the stories of those whose voices might not have been heard enough. During my early career as a photojournalist in Iran, I was able to become one the few female photojournalists that covered parliament, the presidency and important political events. Being exposed, from up close, to the many social and political issues that resulted in discrimination and inequality, helped shape my current perspective and the direction of my artwork. I witnessed the power of the camera in telling a story, in revealing the truth in times where the truth has become a rare commodity. Through my photography I strive to elevate narratives that challenge societal norms and perceptions. My photography is a celebration of human empowerment, and an attempt to raise the bar towards more equality. “Pain” is an unavoidable part of humanity, but with it, it brings strength and change to each society. Even though much of my work is focused on stories of struggle, my photos focus on underlining the beautiful parts of the emotions, drive and bravery of the people in front of my lens. It underlines a message of positive reinforcement and inspiration rather than merely focusing on critiquing the underlying issue. The stories portrayed do not stay in a dark light but rather are ingrained with color, light, and empowerment. 

soukhakian.com

Instagram: @fazilatsoukhakian