Tirdad Aghakhani, a visual artist based in New York City and San Francisco, presents the Lost and Found projects—a collection of self-portraits that emerged from a period of physical adversity. Stemming from an injury in 2022 and subsequent surgery in 2023, this project evolved into a photographic exploration focused on healing and self-discovery. Lost and Found delves beyond the visible surface, delving into unseen aspects of the self and the intricate weave of interconnected past, present, and future.
At the core of the Lost and Found projects are meticulously crafted self-portraits infused with symbolism, each serving as a gateway into a specific stage of the artist’s transformative journey. These projects vividly showcase the transformative power of artistic expression amidst challenges, highlighting the artist’s unwavering creative resilience. An evocative element of the series is the incorporation of the artist’s X-ray photographs and inspiration from the human nervous system and Persian rug design serving as a potent metaphor for a deeper, more personal connection with the traversed landscapes.