Design Talks 004 x in the garden exhibition (Sara Shemirani)

RSVP for the opening exhibition of in the garden, a community garden photobook by Iranian-Canadian photographer Sara Shemirani.

in the garden is a is a photographic body of work by Toronto-based artist Sara Shemirani, originally compiled for a photobook of the same name. The series documented several community gardens across Toronto during their final harvest period in September and October of last year. 

Beyond investigating urban agriculture, in the garden explores the familiarity inherent to gardens, created through the cultivation of the same plants and the informal, often improvised design of these spaces. From newly established gardens to those cultivated for over 30 years, on rooftops, in parks or along a rail path, each offered a moment of escape and a striking contrast to the pace of city living.

As the gardens prepared for hibernation, themes of decay and renewal, endings and beginnings, emerged naturally, adding another layer to the work.

As my debut photography exhibition, in the garden is deeply connected to my roots, coming from a family of growers and gardeners. I hope to share the magic of these gardens with you. 

About Sara: Sara is an Iranian Canadian photographer and architectural designer based in Toronto. Sara holds a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Toronto Metropolitan University where she first became interested in urban agriculture. She later pursued a Digital Photography Certificate from George Brown College, and through her capstone photobook project in the garden, she documented a diverse range of community gardens across Toronto, highlighting them as ephemeral escapes from urban life.