Decades after the Iranian revolution my generation has become lost in a labyrinth of ideologies. Our identity sways haphazardly between entangled histories and an emerging modernity. Any demand for social justice and change is suppressed by the system. Meaningful growth is choked out by the twisting vines of politics and power, and hope fades. “Labyrinth” explores the socio-psychological experiences of Iran’s post-revolutionary generations, sharing a window into the emotional experience of a young generation facing rampant unemployment and profound anxiety for the future. During the 1979 Iranian Revolution 98% of the population voted to become an Islamic republic. As the regime’s religious doctrine sealed off the country from Western influence, Sharia law came to dominate every aspect of life from clothing to thought expression. The result was a complex mix of contradictions that fueled the social and political instability, and a growing gulf between my generation and that of my parents. A live held in limbo takes its toll on us all. With few opportunities to build a future for ourselves the perceptions of young Iranians narrow and apathy becomes the norm. In the worst cases, such feelings can lead to depression, violence, and suicide. Many look to emigrate to seek a better life elsewhere. Home is where the light dies. “Labyrinth” is a documentary photography project exploring the undercurrents sweeping my generation off their feet. In cafes, on street corners, and at social gatherings, people breathe anxiety. When nowhere is safe, no one is above suspicion. The culture of fear cultivated by those in power has broken down our society’s resilience and vitality. We speak in a whisper if we speak at all. Trust is as sanctioned as our economy, and each day we become more alone. Confronting these lived realities through my images is a personal act of resistance, a gathering of courage within myself, and my attempt to plant a stubborn seed for a dream of what could be.