In the endless hustle and bustle of the city, moments of people’s solitude and loneliness are hidden. Bodies stand side by side, yet remain apart—bodies trying to keep this distance and their private space within the public urban environment. This series narrates the experience of living in Tehran through these distances.

The main idea of this series is inspired by Walter Benjamin’s view of the modern city. He considered loneliness a special experience of modern life, resulting from urban architecture, the fast pace of life, and the strong but superficial presence of people alongside each other. He believed that the modern city exposes individuals to a constant bombardment of stimuli, which leads to a psychological distance and inner protection—a state of numbness or disconnection.

The title of the series is taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Man of the Crowd”; a story about a lonely man who aimlessly wanders through the crowd without going anywhere or connecting with anyone.