Videos

Semco Salehi

Teazy (/ˈTːzi/) is a Persian street slang used for referencing sharp weapons such as blades and knives. Synonymous with hooliganism, it signifies a rhythm of life beating against normalcy, living on the edge, contrary to the status quo. The term originates from prisons where inmates used to craft metals into sharp objects for self-defense or hitting others.
Teazy represents the Iranian hyper-masculine image—embedded with pride and protection. It was made mostly for showing off and to instill fear in the heart of opponents. When utilized, it was used to slash and leave a mark or marks on a body, especially on the face. In some cases, to leave such humiliating marks on one person was a reminder for others in the neighborhood to recognize who reigned the streets at the time.
“Teazy” [i.e. the show] walks through the mind and soul of a hooligan and the world from his gaze, slicing into traditional male culture once glorified on the streets across Iran. Designed like a video game, the hooligan can choose weapons for the moment. Each “teazy” comes with a unique mentality depending on its size and appearance, applying certain effects on one’s visualization and confidence in its use.

Semco Salehi, Still Image From “Time for Bayonet”, from “Teazy” series, 4K video, running time: 2:30, 2019
Semco Salehi, Still Image From “Cleaver Dance”, from “Teazy” series, 4K video, running time: 2:15, 2019
Semco Salehi, Still Image From “Dagger in Space”, from “Teazy” series, 4K video, running time: 3:25, 2019
Semco Salehi, Still Image From “The Fan”, from “Teazy” series, 4K video, running time: 3:51, 2019
Semco Salehi, Still Image From “Pahlevan’s Samaa”, from “Teazy” series, stop motion animation, running time: 8:15, 2010
Semco Salehi, “Teazy” series, installation view, 2019
Semco Salehi, “Teazy”, a photo and video installation at Pasio, 2019
Semco Salehi, “Teazy”, a photo and video installation at Pasio, 2019