«Andre Hovsepian»¹, an artist of Armenian and German heritage, was born in Tehran and completed his studies in physical education in Canada. With over 25 years of experience in photography, ”Hovsepian’s artistic journey began with a career in athletics, specifically in the 100-meter dash (a sprint event where athletes run 100 meters), and an invitation to collaborate with a paragliding team, which eventually led him to photography and capturing the majestic moments of Mount Damavand. He has consistently strived to depict the raw and untouched moments of nature without any manipulation, bringing these beauties to the eyes of his audience.”²

In the English language, nature is typically referred to using gender-neutral pronouns. However, in poetry, literature, and artistic expressions, the feminine pronoun "she" is occasionally used. Inspired by this poetic perspective, Hovsepian refers to Mount Damavand as "Madame."³ In February of this year, the «Shirin Gallery»⁴ hosted his latest collection, titled “Portrait of Damavand”.⁵ “This collection is the result of nearly six years of Hovsepian’s dedicated efforts to capture the beauty of this legendary mountain.”⁶

“Over the years of photographing Damavand, Hovsepian realized that he had unconsciously used portrait lenses, which led to a mental and personal connection with the mountain.”⁷ This realization inspired him to name the exhibition Portrait of Damavand. The artist’s poetic and personal perspective on Damavand is evident not only in the title but also in the visual atmosphere of the exhibition. The title itself serves as a literary metaphor, personifying the mountain. It is as though Hovsepian has been capturing the visage of "Madame Damavand," who stands majestically at the highest edge of the sky, veiled in silken clouds.

A broad look at Hovsepian’s photographs reveals the immense time and focus he has dedicated to this project, meticulously capturing unique moments in the pristine nature of Damavand. The sky dominates a significant portion of these images, with its blue hues immediately catching the viewer’s eye in the gallery space (fig 1).

However, upon closer inspection, warm-hued horizons also emerge, creating a balanced color palette within the collection (fig 2). These reddish tones are the result of sunlight reflecting off Damavand’s expanse at different times of the day, printed in harmony with the natural atmosphere (fig 3). Additionally, some of the photographs are presented in black and white. In these works, Hovsepian, by eliminating color, invites the audience to explore and reflect on the visual forms and fleeting moments of nature.

Hovsepian’s works exude a sense of silence and grandeur, drawing the viewer to the foot of the mountain to witness its awe-inspiring majesty. The collection reflects the artist’s dedication and perseverance in capturing these moments. The clouds, at times swirling like cocoons

around the mountain, present unfamiliar yet real forms of natural beauty. Hovsepian has ventured through the untamed and rugged challenges of Damavand’s wilderness, reaching remote and demanding locations that require both physical and mental strength.

Through this collection, Hovsepian offers us a glimpse into his inner world, allowing us to understand the profound allure Damavand holds for him. His works not only document the mountain’s beauty but also serve as a window into the artist’s soul, revealing why he is so deeply captivated by this majestic natural wonder.

Bibliography:

1.Andre hovsepian (1971 Iran )

2.Hovsepian, Andre, interview with Firoozeh Saboori, 7 February 2025.

3.Ibid.

4.Shirin gallery in Tehran.

5.Portrait of Damavand.

6.Hovsepian, andre, interview with Firoozeh Saboori, 7 February 2025.

7.Hovsepian, andre, poshtebam, Journal.