Zohreh Mohammadhosseinpour

Year of birth: 1989.
Where do you live: London.
Your education: MA photojournalism and documentary photgraphy.
Your discipline: interdisciplinary.
Website | Instagram

What initially inspired you to create the “Abandon Bikes” project, and how did your background in documentary photography influence this work?

Upon my arrival in London, I was immediately struck by the prevalence of unhoused individuals throughout the city. It was a distressing observation that left me eager to address this pressing social issue through my work as a documentary photographer. However, I was also conscious of the need to respect the privacy and dignity of those affected, avoiding the direct use of their likenesses or exploiting their circumstances for the sake of making a point.  

Drawing upon my background in documentary photography and honing my skills as an observant photographer, I sought a unique approach to document this important subject matter. It was through this process that I discovered the symbolic power of abandoned bicycles on the streets of London, which served as a potent representation of urban neglect and the individual hardships faced by many living on the margins of society. This realization inspired my photography project, allowing me to thoughtfully address the challenges of homelessness while maintaining a respectful distance from its victims.  

Could you elaborate on the connection between abandoned bikes and homelessness in London? How do you see these bikes as symbols of the struggles faced by unhoused individuals?

Abandoned bikes and homelessness in London share a connection rooted in the themes of neglect, loss, and detachment. Just as unhoused individuals are often left to fend for themselves on the streets, these discarded bicycles are left to rust and decay in public spaces, becoming a symbol of the city’s neglect towards both inanimate objects and, more importantly, its marginalized citizens.  

How does your experience running the photowalk workshop for the “Single Homeless Project” charity influence the way you approach your art?

My photowalk workshop with the “Single Homeless Project” significantly shaped my art, emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and connection. Engaging with vulnerable individuals underscored their resilience and creativity, reinforcing the importance of valuing their stories in society. This experience deepened my commitment to employing art as a catalyst for social change while upholding ethical considerations. By ensuring my work is rooted in compassion and respect, I strive to create meaningful art that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and advocates for a more inclusive world.  

What was the process of selecting the abandoned bikes for this project, and did any particular bike or location stand out to you as especially meaningful?

The selection process for the abandoned bikes in this project was guided by the emotional impact each image evoked and how well it conveyed the intended message. I searched for scenes that effectively captured the essence of urban neglect and resonated with the stories of homelessness I wanted to portray.  

There wasn’t any specific location that stood out, as homelessness is an issue present throughout London. Each bike represented the same underlying narrative of abandonment and struggle, signifying the shared experiences of those affected by homelessness. By featuring images from various locations, I aimed to emphasize the widespread nature of this issue and the need for a collective response.  

Why did you choose to hand-color your photographs? What role do the vibrant colors play in the overall message of the project?

In the “Abandon Bikes” project, hand-coloring the photographs symbolizes the potential for hope and resilience amidst adversity. By contrasting the reality of discarded bicycles with the possibility of positive change, the series seeks to ignite discussions about empathy, community support, and solutions to address homelessness and related challenges. The vibrant colors emphasize resilience while highlighting the connection between urban neglect and the experiences of those affected, aiming to inspire urgent action and conversations around these critical social issues.  

How do you think your work challenges or alters the way people view homelessness in urban environments like London?

“Abandon Bikes” aims to challenge common misconceptions and apathy about homelessness in cities like London. By using abandoned bicycles as a symbol, the project encourages viewers to recognize the personal stories of unhoused individuals and question the factors contributing to their circumstances. Through this work, I hope to foster a more empathetic understanding of homelessness and inspire a greater sense of urgency in addressing the challenges faced by those affected, ultimately promoting more inclusive and supportive communities.  

What do you hope viewers take away from the “Abandon Bikes” series? How do you envision the impact of this project on conversations surrounding social issues?

The “Abandon Bikes” series seeks to encourage viewers to reflect on the personal stories of homelessness and urban neglect. By using abandoned bicycles as a symbolic representation, the project aims to foster empathy and acknowledge the resilience of those affected.  

I envision this project contributing to larger conversations on social issues by highlighting the interconnectedness between urban neglect and the experiences of city residents. By offering a unique perspective on homelessness, I hope the series inspires a greater sense of urgency in addressing the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and promoting more inclusive and supportive communities.  

Ultimately, my goal for “Abandon Bikes” is to serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging a deeper understanding of homelessness and advocating for solutions that prioritize the needs of marginalized individuals.