The composition of this photograph is very strong and creates the message of this photograph. First the photograph is in a wide angle, creating an almost panoramic look, giving the viewer of the photograph a complete view of the subjects. The way the people are scattered around the piece is one of the strongest aspects of the piece. The people all look lost and like they do not know where to go or where they are going. This works with the messages of this shot which handles the exile that many people in this part of the world experience. Also the background of the piece is very strong. The compositional choice of having a fairly stark background besides the billboard and the two buildings. It looks as if civilization has either been destroyed in this area or it is being built back up, both equalliy working with the message the artist is portraying.
Linda Komaroff, Curator, Islamic Art, and Department Head, Art of the Middle East. “New Acquisition: Mitra Tabrizian, Tehran 2006.” Unframed, 2 May 2014, unframed.lacma.org/2014/05/02/new-acquisition-mitra-tabrizian-tehran-2006.
Good observations particularly your summary sentence.