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The rise and fall of Persian drill
Few musical movements in recent decades have captured the raw tension of urban life with the immediacy and urgency of U.K. drill. Emerging in the early 2010s from the council estates of South London—particularly Brixton and Peckham—it emerged as a raw, uncompromising voice for a generation grappling with the harsh realities of life on the…
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Commemorating Abbas Attar: A Legacy of Lens and Pen

Google honored the 80th birthday of Iranian luminary Abbas Attar, renowned photographer and journalist, with a captivating Doodle. The Doodle, unveiled on Friday, captures Attar poised with his camera against a backdrop of evocative imagery, interwoven with the iconic ‘Google’ logo. Coinciding with the Christian festival of Good Friday, this tribute serves as a testament to Attar’s enduring impact on global storytelling.

Attar’s illustrious career spanned six decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to documenting the human experience amidst conflict and transformation. Born in southeastern Iran on March 29, 1944, his journey commenced with an early passion for photography, blossoming into a lifelong pursuit of social documentation upon relocating to Paris.

Via Magnum Photos

From the battlefields of Biafra to the tumult of the Iranian Revolution, Attar’s lens bore witness to pivotal moments in history. His iconic black-and-white compositions captured the essence of “suspended moments,” immortalizing the raw emotions and stark realities of societies in upheaval.

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Attar delved into the intricate intersections of religion and society, earning acclaim for his seminal work on the Iranian Revolution. Through volumes such as ‘Iran: The Confiscated Revolution,’ he illuminated the complexities of religious fundamentalism and societal transformation.

Throughout his prolific career, Attar’s lens traversed continents, chronicling the landscapes and cultures of nations in flux. Works such as ‘Return to Oapan and Return to Mexico’ and ‘Journeys Beyond the Mask’ offer poignant glimpses into the heart of Mexico, while his exploration of radical Islam foreshadowed global shifts in religious dynamics.

Today, as we reflect on Abbas Attar’s enduring legacy, we honor not only a master storyteller but a compassionate chronicler of humanity’s collective narrative. His indelible contributions remind us of the power of art and journalism to transcend borders, fostering empathy and understanding in an ever-evolving world.09:01 AM

Via Magnum Photos

Categories: Art
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