# Kissing Strangers as Art Iranian Ashkan Sahihi Explores Sexuality with Photography By mediterranean | Published 2008-07-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iran-ashkan-sahihi-kiss-series References: [ashkansahihi](http://ashkansahihi.com/kiss/) & [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashkan_Sahihi) Iranian photographer **Ashkan Sahihi** is well known for his unorthodox and pretty controversial [photography projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-within-the-detour). For example, his Drug Series captures the facial expressions of clean and sober people trying various drugs. One collection that grabbed my attention is his *Kiss Series* in which he photographed himself [kissing strangers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kisstouch). The series shows Sahihi french kissing different men and women with open mouth. Besides gender, the kissing partners span different ethnic backgrounds. The result is an obvious [social commentary on sexuality and race](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity). Differences in gender, sexuality, race, religion, background, it all does not matter. We are all human and we should love one another. And kiss each other as well. Let me get some mints… Sahihi was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1963 and moved to New York in 1987. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Controversial Photography:** The trend of capturing controversial and provocative images in photography provides an opportunity for artists to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations. - **Social Commentary Art:** Using art as a platform for social commentary allows artists to address important issues such as gender, sexuality, race, and religion, fostering dialogue and promoting inclusivity. - **Breaking Cultural Boundaries:** The trend of breaking cultural boundaries in art through projects like the Kiss Series encourages individuals to embrace diversity and challenge preconceived notions of love and human connection. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Photography:** The art and photography industry can leverage controversial and socially conscious projects to push boundaries and attract engagement from a diverse audience. - **Social Activism:** Using art as a tool for social activism can create opportunities for artists, activists, and organizations to advocate for change and raise awareness on pressing societal issues. - **Cultural Exchange and Diversity:** Promoting cultural exchange and diversity through artistic expressions opens up possibilities for industries such as travel, entertainment, and fashion to embrace inclusivity and appeal to a global audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Distorted Furniture Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/first-kiss-at-last-light.md) - [Nowruz-Celebrating Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iranian-cinema.md) - [Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rude-arts-club.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Queer Storytelling Sculptural Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-sticky-series.md)