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| Preparing photoshoot with Rafique, Amman March 2012 |
The Arab world lives in New Times & has New Heroes. Focussing on Jordan: it's a place with new identity. From an urge to liberate themselves from imposed ideologies, restrictive gender-concepts & social conformism; a progressive generation reveals itself in a series of portraits: New Mirrors. Young people reflect on society who they are -rather then what their society wants them to be- by showing us an imagined identity.
The Metamorphoses are a way to undo the burden of uniformism and masquerade; to liberate a truth self-image. By exposing those portraits in the street; we claimed the 'front-models' a place, a visibility and a role in the society of the capital Amman.
"New Mirrors" combines outspoken statements on gender, women-rights, prejudice & spirituality with poetic & playfull images.
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| "This is the resting place of a journey in search of a location: the middle-point" Lina Soufan |
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| "Is this how a woman has to look in order to be recognised?" Ban Majali |
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| "I am who I am, giving by nature, even when I feel strangled and held back. Still reaching out to give more." Razan Mubaideen |
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| "I am a sinner. But at least I'm honest with myself." Alaa Samman |
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| "I am a tuned white mirror" Rawia Sabella |
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| "I reveal myself as a Phoenix, rising from the ashes." Rafique Nasereddin |
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| "I feel great, funny, ridiculous, beautifull and strong. While I thought I would be scared." Riham Issac |
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| "I represent freedom. By doing so, I face the city for the first time in my life." Ziad E. Hajir |
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| "My Mermaid is my immortal companion. She lives inside of me, she completes me." Shereen Zoumot |
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| "Society turns us into things, while I insist on being a human. I want to be a gypsy, living in the moment." Lubnah Juqqa |
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| "My roots are strong; I grow everywhere and anywhere." Sameera El-Asir |
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| "Belonging to now place in particular: flying to all skies, landing to all grounds." Marie |
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| "I purify myself from all the judgements in our society." Ammour Zacarneh |
AAT FESTIVAL:
New Mirrors is created during the Aat-Festival: a cultural event in Amman/Jordan which celebrates International Woman's day. The organizing 'Aat Network' establishes a debate on gender-equality and identity. The festival creates a space to liberate expression and improves the discussion on gender-issues. Within its frame, both sexes are defending the regional and global Women Rights. The festival is directed by Lana Nasser and organised at Al-Balad theater.
Watch The "New Mirrors" videos:
Interview about New Mirrors on RO'YA TV
Flower-bomb in Downtown Amman, with Riham Issac.
A freedom of expression with Ziad E. Hajir
Behind the scènes; the making up for Ban Majali's
statement on woman-hood, collaboration with
Walid Zou'bi & Sleiman Tadros.
Driving the Dead Sea Road with Lina Soufan
for a photoshoot with knifes.
"New Mirrors" was a collaboration with Aat Network, at Al-Balad theatre. Art Space 'Makan' offered me an atelier during the creation-proces. The work is a result of many peoples warm involvement; thanks for the heart-related energy. I thank all the people portrayed in this project for their braveness, beauty and their 'becoming'.
Project, photographs & instalation by Kristof Persyn, March 2012.
Links:
