Hoda Afshar’s 'Speak The Wind' Reveals Hidden Histories in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian-Australian photographer Hoda Afshar’s photo book, 'Speak The Wind,' offers a unique perspective on life in the Strait of Hormuz, moving beyond geopolitical tensions to explore spiritual and historical narratives. The project focuses on the islands of Qeshm, Hengam, and Hormuz, where winds are viewed not just as geological forces shaping the barren landscape, but as malevolent spirits capable of possessing individuals. These beliefs, manifested through shamanic healing rituals involving music and dance, are linked by anthropologist Michael Taussig to the legacy of the Arab slave trade and centuries of cultural exchange with East Africa. Afshar’s work visualizes these invisible histories through a combination of black-and-white abstract landscapes, vibrant color portraits of islanders, and local drawings. By documenting the interplay between the harsh environment and the community’s spiritual practices, the project highlights how old power dynamics and the trauma of slavery continue to influence contemporary worldviews. The article emphasizes that these rituals are not merely medical remedies but embodiments of historical cruelty and despotism, making the lingering impact of the past palpable in the present day.
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Hoda Afshar’s 'Speak The Wind' Reveals Hidden Histories in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian-Australian photographer Hoda Afshar’s photo book, 'Speak The Wind,' offers a unique perspective on life in the Strait of Hormuz, moving beyond geopolitical tensions to explore spiritual and historical narratives. The project focuses on the islands of Qeshm, Hengam, and Hormuz, where winds are viewed not just as geological forces shaping the barren landscape, but as malevolent spirits capable of possessing individuals. These beliefs, manifested through shamanic healing rituals involving music and dance, are linked by anthropologist Michael Taussig to the legacy of the Arab slave trade and centuries of cultural exchange with East Africa. Afshar’s work visualizes these invisible histories through a combination of black-and-white abstract landscapes, vibrant color portraits of islanders, and local drawings. By documenting the interplay between the harsh environment and the community’s spiritual practices, the project highlights how old power dynamics and the trauma of slavery continue to influence contemporary worldviews. The article emphasizes that these rituals are not merely medical remedies but embodiments of historical cruelty and despotism, making the lingering impact of the past palpable in the present day.
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