Amirian’s ice-layered portraits to make European debut in Turin
Iranian photographer Armin Amirian will open his solo exhibition ‘hICEstory’ at STI Gallery in Turin, Italy, on June 13, featuring 12 works that explore historical and cultural events through his distinctive frozen imagery technique.
The exhibition, organized by European curatorial group Exo Art Lab, runs through July 23 and marks the first European showcase of Amirian's acclaimed series. The 29-year-old Isfahan-based artist uses a specialized technique that creates an icy, crystalline effect across his photographs.
"Human rights demand, as the universal foundation and ultimate call for preserving humanity" drives the collection, according to the exhibition statement. The works capture what organizers describe as both the stillness and hidden pressure within Iran's social dynamics. Amirian's ‘hICEstory’ series previously appeared at galleries including the Rice Museum in America and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Florida. The collection earned nominations for international art prizes and was first shown in Tehran in 2020 at Etemaad Gallery. The photographer told curators he uses ice as a metaphor to highlight the "frozen" state of social progress while hinting at underlying forces for change. His technique involves creating frost-like patterns that overlay portrait subjects and historical scenes.
The Turin exhibition coincides with growing international recognition for Amirian's work. Last year, his photograph "Mirror" was selected for a German visual arts campaign. In 2022, he placed second at the Alpine Fellowship Visual Arts Prize.
Gallery STI and Exo Art Lab described the exhibition as an opportunity to introduce Iranian contemporary art to European audiences. The show features portraits of Iranian women and men framed within Amirian's signature icy aesthetic. Amirian, who is self-taught, began working professionally in photography during his teens while studying physics. He has participated in more than 100 festivals and exhibitions worldwide. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday at STI Gallery in central Turin.