Photographs by Iran Issa-Khan
OCTOBER 1 - APRIL 5, 2026
Iran Issa-Khan’s photography career took root in the bustling art scene of New York City in the late 1970s, nurtured by the mentorship of William Minor, Jr. Surrounded by a world of creativity, she found inspiration in the works of renowned American fashion photographers such as Francesco Scavullo and Richard Avedon, as well as the celebrated German-American fashion photographer Horst P. Horst, and the French artist and fashion visionary Guy Bourdin. The guidance of her mentor and these influential figures played a pivotal role in shaping her distinctive style and reputation in the realm of fashion photography.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Issa-Khan captured iconic figures such as Paulina Porizkova, Andie MacDowell, and Christy Turlington, with her work featured in renowned publications like Harper’s Bazaar and
Vogue. Her impressive client list includes celebrities, politicians, and high-profile figures, such as Nancy Reagan, the Ferragamo and Fendi families, Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, and Paloma Picasso, with whom she shot ads and covers for 25 years.
In 1999, Issa-Khan relocated to South Florida, where she began to focus on capturing the beauty of nature, specifically flowers, seashells, and coral. This exhibition showcases previously unexhibited black-andwhite images of plant life. These images, with their intricate structures, extraordinary details, and stunning beauty, are a testament to the artist’s profound contemplation and admiration of her subjects. The exhibition aims to encourage hurried travelers to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature that inspired the artist.
le Radiant, 1999-2000, photographic archival print, 55 x 44 in. image courtesy of the artist.
FloRa obscuRa, 1999-2000, photographic archival print, 34 x 44 in. image courtesy of the artist.
Iran Issa-Khan (b. 1936) was born in Tehran and raised across Iran, Europe, and the United States. Her nature photography has been exhibited in major cities, including New York, London, and Paris, and featured in publications like Veranda and Luxe. A retrospective book of her work, IRAN ISSA-KHAN Photographs, was published in 2011, with a foreword by longtime friend Zaha Hadid. The artist lives and works in Miami, Florida.
MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is the arts and exhibitions program at Miami International Airport, managed by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Division of Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs. Our mission is to enhance the travel environment by presenting exhibitions and showcasing works that celebrate the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating atmosphere that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of the South Florida region. To browse current and past exhibitions, learn about public artworks on display, or for more information, please contact us at 305-876-0749 or visit our website at www.iFlyMIA.com.
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Cover:
Pétale et éPine, 1999-2000, photographic archival print, 57 x 44 in. image courtesy of the artist.