Babak Bordbar: JIGSAW, the Eastern Piece

Babak Bordbar is an Iranian photojournalist, who has sought asylum in France after the government crackdown following the disputed presidential election in 2009. This event forced hundreds of journalists, bloggers, artists and political activists to flee from Iran and seek refuge in the neighbouring countries mainly Iraq and Turkey.

Babak was arrested and imprisoned for visually documenting the protests. Banned from working as a photojournalist after the imprisonment, he also faced further harassment which forced him to flee from his homeland to Iraq. Crossing a very blurry border between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan, he found a temporary home in impenetrable mountains in northern Iraq, a place that is also a home to the Komala party. Komala is the persecuted Kurdish Political party from Iran which consists of many young men and women who are fighting for rights of the Kurdish people.

While living together with the members of this political group, he had the opportunity to learn more about the young members of this group, their stories and values. The exhibition will capture the trust and the friendship which was built upon common interest and values such as freedom, justice and equality regardless of race, gender and religion.

The exhibition reflects on social and political issues such as conflict, borders, war, racism and gender relations. Escaping the country for a better future, freedom and basic rights, both the artist and the young members of the Komala Camp documented in this project, share their stories with the audience. The exhibition stimulates interesting conversation regarding living in conflict zones, seeking asylum in an unfamiliar land, human rights and freedom.