These photos by London-based photographer Farhad Berahman capture Iranians indulging in various freedoms and pastimes in largely private settings. The photos, part of a series dubbed ‘Wonderland of Iran’, serve as a commentary on the private activities of Iranian urbanites under the Islamic Republic of Iran’s present-day regime.
The photos show modern-minded Iranians indulging in different activities including enjoying pool parties, partaking in painting lessons, celebrating birthdays, etc. The photos are intended to capture people’s need for freedom—even if only in private, controlled settings—in repressed environments, and suggest the development of schisms between people’s ‘ideal’ public lives and the reality of their private activities.
The photo series was inspired by Berahman’s own upbringing in a liberal Iranian family, and their implicit knowledge that their modernity was not to be revealed in certain public contexts and situations.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Private Leisure Trend
- As Iranians seek freedom and leisure in private settings, there is an opportunity for businesses to provide private leisure spaces and experiences.
- Lifestyle Schism Trend
- As Iranians live different lives in private than in public, there is an opportunity for businesses to create solutions that bridge the gap between the two.
- Cultural Commentary Trend
- As photos like Berahman's shed light on repressed environments, there is an opportunity for businesses to confront cultural commentary struggles, creating solutions that address repressive environments and political climates.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Private Leisure Industry
- There is an opportunity for businesses to provide private leisure spaces and experiences— lounges, pools, restaurants, and game rooms, etc.
- Straddling Lives Industry
- There is an opportunity for businesses to create solutions—apps, services, and products—that bridge the gap between Iranians' private and public lives.
- Cultural Commentary Industry
- There is an opportunity for businesses to create content, art and engage in conversations that address repressive environments and political climates.
