Artist Talk: Cyrus Mahboubian

6:30pm, Fri 13 Sep 2024

Gain more insight into the practice of British artist Cyrus Mahboubian

This event is part of our Past Programme

In this event featuring Cyrus Mahboubian we look at the power of photography in shaping memory and identity. Mahboubian will discuss his use of analogue techniques, particularly with Polaroid film, and his practical, deliberate approach to image making. Drawing on personal history and the loss of family photographs while fleeing their home country, the artist reflects on the significance of the remaining images. These photos now hold immense value as one of the few surviving connections to their collective past.

Through his lens, Mahboubian captures more than just images; he captures the subtle, often overlooked spaces in between, where true meaning resides. His work navigates the grey areas of life, reminding us that "Real Life is Not Black & White," the theme behind Polaroid's The Next Imperfectionist" campaign for the I-2 and the new black and white chemistry film.

Moderator by art historian and broadcaster Flora Vesterberg.

Attendees will receive a voucher for £100.00 discount on the Polaroid I-2 camera. This offer is valid at The Photographers' Gallery in-store only for the period 13 September to 27 September 2024. Voucher must be presented in-store to claim the promotion

Biographies

Cyrus Mahboubian (b. 1986, London, UK) is a British artist known for his contemplative approach to photography and continued use of analogue materials, especially polaroid. He has stated that his intentionally slow process is a response to the increasing influence of technology in our lives.

Mahboubian's work has been exhibited internationally. Notable exhibitions include Photo London at Somerset House (2024); Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford (2019); and Fotografia Europea festival, Italy (2016). His first book VISCERA was published in 2019, with its book launch taking place at Sotheby's in London. He has led workshops at Tate Britain and The Photographers' Gallery.

Mahboubian’s work is in the permanent collection of Soho House, as well as numerous private collections worldwide, and has been featured by BBC; Culture Trip; FT Weekend; Global Citizen; The Guardian; LA Weekly; Monocle; Photomonitor; and Tatler. His studio is based in Trafalgar Square, London.

Flora Vesterberg is an art historian and broadcaster. Committed to education, she has a master’s degree from The Courtauld Institute of Art where she has recently been appointed to The Campaign Board. She is also a Co-chair of the Young Patrons’ Circle of the Victoria & Albert Museum where she is particularly interested in the Photography Centre. Flora is a monthly columnist for Condé Nast Traveller and writes for Vogue, Sotheby’s and frieze. She also lectures at Sotheby’s Institute of Art amongst other leading institutions.