Session Title
Arts Expo 2
College
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department
Fine Arts
Abstract
As a Pakistani Muslim woman, I use photography to introduce the lives of other Pakistani Muslim women, particularly those wearing headscarves. Society has an odd perception of us because of how we are portrayed in the media. They assume we are suppressed by men and/or by religion (Islam). The media has a misconception of who we are and what our faith is. My photographs illustrate that a piece of cloth does not restrict us from our passion or careers. Although our religion may prevent us from wearing revealing clothes, we are not prohibited from making choices we feel are right for us. The choice of wearing a scarf is ours, it is not imposed. We have the right to choose who to fall in love with, what our future careers will be like, and how to live life. My plan is to change the outlook of how Muslim women are perceived by the media and the public. My thesis consists of eight images based on different themes. The themes are honey, purple flowers, sports, water, milk, mirror, makeup, and green leaves. Each photograph embodies each theme and talks about its purpose. The Woman of Drive symbolizes new beginnings of erotism in marriage. The Woman of Authority uses purple flowers to represent success and royalty. The Woman of Drive portrays the masculinity of a woman. The Woman of Leisure represents the freedom to wear a burkini (modest swimsuit). The Woman of Nurturing symbolizes motherhood. The Woman of Faith is a reflection of spirituality and faith. The Woman of Creativity symbolizes creativity and self-expression. The Woman of Hope depicts green leaves of spring and summer representing hope, renewal, and revival. These photographs depict the captivating lives of Pakistani Muslim women and encourage a more positive perspective of the women.
Start Date
15-4-2022 12:00 PM
Like every woman, we are like you
As a Pakistani Muslim woman, I use photography to introduce the lives of other Pakistani Muslim women, particularly those wearing headscarves. Society has an odd perception of us because of how we are portrayed in the media. They assume we are suppressed by men and/or by religion (Islam). The media has a misconception of who we are and what our faith is. My photographs illustrate that a piece of cloth does not restrict us from our passion or careers. Although our religion may prevent us from wearing revealing clothes, we are not prohibited from making choices we feel are right for us. The choice of wearing a scarf is ours, it is not imposed. We have the right to choose who to fall in love with, what our future careers will be like, and how to live life. My plan is to change the outlook of how Muslim women are perceived by the media and the public. My thesis consists of eight images based on different themes. The themes are honey, purple flowers, sports, water, milk, mirror, makeup, and green leaves. Each photograph embodies each theme and talks about its purpose. The Woman of Drive symbolizes new beginnings of erotism in marriage. The Woman of Authority uses purple flowers to represent success and royalty. The Woman of Drive portrays the masculinity of a woman. The Woman of Leisure represents the freedom to wear a burkini (modest swimsuit). The Woman of Nurturing symbolizes motherhood. The Woman of Faith is a reflection of spirituality and faith. The Woman of Creativity symbolizes creativity and self-expression. The Woman of Hope depicts green leaves of spring and summer representing hope, renewal, and revival. These photographs depict the captivating lives of Pakistani Muslim women and encourage a more positive perspective of the women.
