Ali Zolghadri's Iran Mall photo shortlisted for Sony World Photography awards
Ali Zolghadri, a fine art photographer, created a composite image of the Iran Mall in Tehran, recognized as the largest shopping mall globally. This work was shortlisted in the creative category for the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards. Captured four months prior to the onset of the US and Israel's conflict with Iran, the photograph highlights the central atrium's sweeping curves, intricate architecture, metallic finishes, and expansive skylights. Zolghadri, originally from Tehran, observed that the mall appeared quite deserted that day, lending the space an ethereal ambiance. He underscored the importance of editing in his artistic process, stating that he personally photographed every aspect of the final image.
Key facts
- Ali Zolghadri is a fine art photographer.
- The Iran Mall in Tehran is the largest shopping mall in the world.
- The photo was taken four months before the US and Israel launched their war on Iran.
- The image is a composite of three photographs.
- It was shortlisted in the creative category of the 2026 Sony World Photography awards.
- The central atrium features sweeping curved lines, layered architecture, metallic surfaces and massive skylights.
- The mall was fairly empty on the day the photo was taken.
- Zolghadri says editing is an essential part of his process.
Entities
Artists
- Ali Zolghadri
Institutions
- Sony World Photography awards
Locations
- Iran Mall
- Tehran
- Iran