NEWPORT photographer Robyn McLeod believes challenging views and broadening horizons is a function of art.
And she’s hoping her latest exhibition, Three – Glimpses of Iran, Turkey and Morocco, will help to dispel negative perceptions of Islamic nations.
“I hope this exhibition can offer a glimpse, a new experience and appreciation of the diversity of people and culture of these countries, and go a little way to tackling these negative and prejudiced views,” she says.
“The West tends to view Islamic countries as Arab, but in Morocco the majority are Berbers; Iranians are Persian; and in Turkey there’s a mix of Turks, Kurds, Armenians and others.”
McLeod says she has always been interested in the history, art, architecture, people and religions of the area.
“I suppose Iran has a special association for me because the West thinks of it as part of the axis of evil, but when you go there you find something completely different,” she says.
“Iranians are extraordinarily friendly. I’ve travelled quite a bit and never really come across such friendliness. That’s pretty amazing because in the popular imagination in the West, Iran really is a frightful place and as a result not many tourists go there.”
The striking colours and the architecture of the region were other attractions for the self-taught photographer.
“I couldn’t possibly go anywhere without a camera,” she says. “I just like taking photos.”
McLeod has previously exhibited at 45 Downstairs in Flinders Lane, at the Incinerator in Moonee Ponds and the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Three is showing at The Substation, Newport, until June 3.
