A two-part hands-on photography workshop with artist and architect Saeed Abdollahi

Pt. 1 - Friday, September 26th @ 5:30 PM

Pt. 2 - Monday, September 29th @ 6PM

Location: Peterson Hall 108

Space limited, register here

Co-Presented by McGill Refugee Research Grouop

Bio:

Saeed Abdollahi (he/him) is a professional photographer and visual storyteller with an intercultural background. Originally trained as an architect in Iran, he later moved to Canada, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Calgary. His dual experience of growing up in the historic city of Isfahan and immigrating to Canada deeply informs his photographic perspective. Saeed’s work has received critical acclaim internationally; he won the Blue FIAP Ribbon at Photo Art Prague 2018 and a 3rd Prize for his series ZOL in the 16th International Exhibition in Tulle, France (2020). Beyond awards, he has had numerous acceptances in juried photography exhibitions worldwide, underlining the global resonance of his imagery.

As an artist and educator, Saeed is passionate about the social documentary genre. His recent project, "Wage Earner," examined the realities of immigrant underemployment in Canada, blending personal experience with broader questions of identity, belonging, and resilience. Exhibited widely in Calgary, the series was recognized for its social impact when Saeed was named Asian Changemaker of the Year by CBC Calgary in 2024. This body of work reflects his commitment to using photography as a tool for dialogue and social change, a way to make visible the struggles and strengths of marginalized communities.

Through such projects, Saeed engages in visual ethnography, studying and portraying human experiences in ways that combine empathy with critical reflection. By sharing the process behind Wage Earner and other series, he illustrates how personal history and social concerns can drive a visual project. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how their own stories, memories, and cultural contexts can shape the images they create, turning photography into not only a personal expression but also a voice within larger conversations."