reBirth: A Collective of Integrated, Bold Female Diversity in South Kurdistan.
Two years in the making…
Rebirth was a two year collaborative project with Khadijah Abdul-Nabi, a fellow creative based in Erbil. What began as a single shoot session, blossomed into a structured visual project featuring twelve women based in Erbil, South Kurdistan. It is no secret, that my passion as a lens woman is to capture strength, character and resilience of the female form. This project enabled me to not only do that, but share with the rest of the world the diverse array of women and femininity that exists within these borders - that is very much hidden away from the rest of the world.
These women who call this region home, have integrated into local communities and come from an array of different cultures, ethnicities and religions. Yet, here they all are, together, co-existing in a cluster of four seasonal transitions, each representative of the change and growth womanhood endures within these borders, and the ever blossoming feminism that is often deemed non-existential to these shores if one is not holding an AK47 to their chest.
Never did I expect to find a visual home for female weightlifters, teachers, students, doctors, creatives and lawyers in one place. To bring together women from Zimbabwe to Babylon for a special portfolio highlighting a truly authentic female representation in Erbil. This project was 100% female created, led and self funded by myself and Khadijah. I am thankful and honoured to be trusted by these 12 remarkable women to capture their strength and character as a diverse woman in the Middle East today.
Media: reBirth: Virtual art exhibit showcases modern face of Kurdistan’s women
