Hossein Zare is an Iranian self-taught photographer known for his surreal and thought-provoking digital art. His work explores the intersection of nature, humanity, and technology, often blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. 

Zare's images have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran, the London Design Festival, and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Today, we want to showcase Zare's powerful series of black-and-white pictures that symbolize our journey through life. Stripped of unnecessary details, his photographs give you the bare feeling of an undefined destination in life, represented by the traveling man and other life metaphors, such as a tree or a road. Scroll down to explore the mind-stimulating pictures!

More info: hosseinzare.com | Instagram | Facebook | twitter.com | foundation.app

#1

Returning Home

Returning Home

Hossein Zare Report

Why?
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't go home again.

Kelsie Marx
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“After days and nights of the cold air biting him, out in the land where there is nothing, he decided that it was time to end his long journey of trying to find his faithful companion. He figured that with one winter storm after another, that the strong winds carried his pup away. So, with a heavy heart, and his pup on his mind, he walks back home, praying that a miracle will happen.”

Born in Iran, Zare's art is influenced by the rich cultural and artistic heritage of his homeland. He has been recognized as one of the most important voices in minimalist photography and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

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    #2

    The Dark Half

    The Dark Half

    Hossein Zare Report

    Nykky
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you mean Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds

    Kelley Baltierra
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read the book (the dark half by Stephen King) then you would understand

    Load More Replies...
    Pamelot
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagining in real time. 💗

    #3

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "Been there,done that" mindfulness thingy.

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Janis Joplin's Piece of My Heart

    Zare's art is characterized by its use of simple shapes and clean lines. His minimalist approach allows viewers to focus on the purity of the forms he creates, encouraging a contemplative and introspective experience.

    #4

    Passenger

    Passenger

    Hossein Zare Report

    Kelsie Marx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Life’s journeys are not about the path you take, but the choices you make while traveling down the path.

    Why?
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two roads diverged and I took the one less traveled.

    #5

    True Choice

    True Choice

    Hossein Zare Report

    Debra Newell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The forks in the road of life. While on my journey in life, I wish that I had listened to my instincts, as I truly believe that's God's way of talking to me (us).

    Pamelot
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God has given us the blessing of instincts. 💗

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    Charlie Birkner
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    words could not have explained this situation any better.

    The nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things are topics that Zare explores in several of his works. He creates art that is both powerful and accessible. Thanks to his minimalist aesthetic, he reduces complicated concepts and feelings to their most basic elements.

    #6

    In Vain

    In Vain

    Hossein Zare Report

    #7

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    SeaWolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Crossing the path of the moon.

    Kelsie Marx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just enjoy the view. For it’s not too often to where you can enjoy it Just by yourself!

    Gloria Mendoza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My most memorable moment was going with my husband out on our boat in the middle of a lake on July 4th. We had a panorama view of fireworks bursting all around us. One of the best moments of our lives. Will always be embedded in my mind. This reminds me of that moment.

    Have these photographs evoked any emotions or stirred up any thoughts within you? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Don't forget to upvote your favorite images!

    You can check out more of Zare's work on his Instagram or website!

    #8

    Frustrado

    Frustrado

    Hossein Zare Report

    Yamna Javed (Yamu)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll take it as my heart always tries to come in my way and make be troubled!

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Headed for some heartbreak

    #9

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    Yuki
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Creating your own path

    LadyJaye(she/they)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because your mine? (omg sorry but I just couldn't resist)

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    #11

    Steps

    Steps

    Hossein Zare Report

    LadyJaye(she/they)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forming as a person as they journey through the steps of life . The past selfs are disappearing

    mary norton
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Magnificent 👍🏻❤️💯😊😁!!!

    Yuki
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep moving forward in every stagnant stages of life

    Kelsie Marx
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Each of life success, brings you to higher grounds!

    Namu di
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Atlast have reached the top.

    #12

    Birds Want Me

    Birds Want Me

    Hossein Zare Report

    #13

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    #14

    Best Friends

    Best Friends

    Hossein Zare Report

    #15

    Travel

    Travel

    Hossein Zare Report

    #16

    Shadow

    Shadow

    Hossein Zare Report

    Amber Ashby
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's very broken and closed off, but I believe she'll be ok because she's moving toward the light. When she gets there, she'll be ok and her broken shadow will be whole, meaning she's put back together.

    Gloria Mendoza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn if you do; damn if you don’t

    #17

    Life Guards

    Life Guards

    Hossein Zare Report

    Yuki
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am here, but am i too late?

    Amber Ashby
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The life you want/need is out of reach.

    CHRIS DOMRES
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are all photos of Buffalo in the winter.

    #18

    Regret

    Regret

    Hossein Zare Report

    dino_Z71
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing makes more noise in your head than regret...

    #19

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    Amelia Saucedo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This truly makes me feel like I’m inadequate

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #20

    Inside

    Inside

    Hossein Zare Report

    #21

    A Road

    A Road

    Hossein Zare Report

    Yuki
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Forget the past and move on (sectional view)

    Nonesuch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was a steep, rocky road, but look how high you've come

    #22

    The Ways

    The Ways

    Hossein Zare Report

    Joshua Joy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Climbing the endless ladders of life— be sure your loving the process and/or it’s destination.

    #23

    Antithetical

    Antithetical

    Hossein Zare Report

    Jelly Kat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're going one way but it's not the way you want to go but you feel to far in to turn back

    #24

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    #26

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    Amber Ashby
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like it represents a midlife crisis or fall into addiction or are struggling with a trauma.

    Gloria Mendoza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Life is unpredictable and you can never be prepared for what happens.

    Amelia Saucedo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my dreams this always happens but I keep climbing just the same

    #27

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    Cheyanne Pavan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So happy to have people to help and support me when I can't do it on my own.

    #28

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    SeaWolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like he always stood there and he'll always be...

    #29

    Rogue Shadow

    Rogue Shadow

    Hossein Zare Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #30

    True Story

    True Story

    Hossein Zare Report

    Dana Bryant
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

    dino_Z71
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Call someplace Paradise and kiss it goodbye...

    #31

    Intellectual Engagement

    Intellectual Engagement

    Hossein Zare Report

    #32

    Immersed In My World

    Immersed In My World

    Hossein Zare Report

    Jelly Kat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're in a room but you are also somewhere completely different

    #33

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report

    #34

    Untitled

    Untitled

    Hossein Zare Report