In his photobook 'Caspian', Khashayar Javanmardi captures the profound transformation of the Caspian Sea, illustrating how environmental changes have become intertwined with the lives and stories of those who rely on its dwindling beauty.
Long before the Caspian Sea existed, there was the ancient Tethys Ocean. As the continents shifted and landmasses separated, this ocean became landlocked, its waters gradually turning fresh. This process gave rise to the Caspian Sea, a unique remnant of prehistoric times, as Javanmardi describes it.
For eight years, Javanmardi explored the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, primarily along the Iranian coast. His journey culminated in 'Caspian, Southern Reflections', a photobook that reflects his deep personal connection to this region—a place where the sky, sandy beaches, and summer warmth merge with the lives of people united by their shared culture and history. For Javanmardi, this landscape holds deep emotional and cultural significance, with roots in everything meaningful to him.
As he began to reflect on his own life, Javanmardi became more aware of the environmental changes taking place around him. His bond with the Caspian region made him particularly sensitive to these shifts. The sea was becoming increasingly polluted, and warnings against consuming its fish grew more frequent. Economic hardships followed, with local livelihoods eroding alongside the landscape. Climate change, compounded by poor management, accelerated these transformations, affecting not just the environment but also the people who depended on it. Witnessing this painful decline fueled Javanmardi's passion to document the region and its changes.
His curiosity led him to weave together stories from the locals, capturing their portraits within the landscapes they call home. Each image carries a deeper narrative, as their words become as important as the photos themselves. The theme of loss and preservation runs throughout Javanmardi's work. He is fascinated by how the Caspian Sea creates deep connections and unites various aspects of life. As he says, everyone has a relationship with the sea—whether through work, family, or personal experiences. His project is intensely personal, drawing from his own memories to explore how people adapt and find meaning in the face of such overwhelming changes.
Yet, despite the challenges, the Caspian Sea remains vibrant. Early mornings and late nights bring the shorelines to life with people—fishing, relaxing, or simply enjoying the scenery. In one striking image, the silhouette of a man on a tractor stands against the backdrop of the sea, with sunlight dancing on the waves, capturing the enduring vitality of the region. Even in its quieter moments, there is an undercurrent of activity—a reminder that life continues, even as the landscape evolves.
Javanmardi also warns of the urgent threat facing the Caspian Sea. Without immediate intervention, the region could face an ecological catastrophe within the next two decades, potentially displacing millions of people and causing widespread devastation. While the photographer doesn’t claim to have all the answers, he emphasizes the need for swift action. The future of the Caspian Sea, and the millions who rely on it, is far too important to ignore.
Khashayar Javanmardi is an Iranian lens-based artist whose work explores the complex relationships between nature, culture, and identity. Growing up along the Iranian shoreline, his surroundings have deeply influenced his artistic vision. Currently based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Javanmardi's work reflects a deep longing and portrays the struggles of communicating themes of culture and global politics. He began working as a photojournalist at 19 and has been featured in numerous publications worldwide. He is also the founder and director of Hayaat Art Space.
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