Award winning Iranian photographer and humanitarian activist, Shokoufeh Malekkiani, dedicates her lens and her extraordinary artistic vision to philanthropic causes. Her compelling images explore a range of topics, from the plights of humanity’s most devastating realities, to capturing marginalized, overlooked communities.

Malekkiani does not limit her artistic gifts to exclusively social issues. The photographer takes every opportunity to expand her artistry and style, as demonstrated in her most recent work, wherein she tackles surrealist representation of mythological subject matter. This award winning series, entitled The Legend of the Phoenix, is a series of collage-like images with juxtaposing elements depicting the proverbial phoenix’s journey. Her sophisticated compositions demonstrate superb balance and engaging visual narratives. The Legend of the Phoenix, celebrates the inherent ability for individuals to channel characteristics of the phoenix such as hope, renewal, grace and the victory of light over darkness.