Hidayah is a collection of portraits where I model various clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Primarily given as gifts from relatives, these items came from different countries in the Arab world. The accessorizing in Hidayah reveals the living tradition of gift-giving in our culture. What happens when this collection of gifts is brought to a homemade fashion photoshoot? Existing in the diaspora of a culture with a history of trauma can mean that these material items are the only connection one has to that culture. Posing in these garments is a way to give them meaning and cope with the disconnect from my roots. Hidayah celebrates and gives purpose to these items when thoughtfully assembled and provided with the context of a portrait series.
PHILISTINE
UNTITLED
