"Purdah": Women about the tradition of covering the head
EVERY DAY PHOTOGRAPHERS AROUND THE WORLD looking for new ways to tell stories or to capture what we previously did not notice. We choose interesting photo projects and ask their authors what they wanted to say. This week we are publishing the project of the photographer Arpita Shah, who asked the representatives of various Asian diasporas living in Scotland to tell why they cover their heads and what this tradition means to them.
I invented and shot a series of "Purdah" when I was an intern at Glasgow and participated in the art project "The Albert Drive Project". We were given a task to answer the question "How well do we know our neighbors?" and engage the local multicultural community in their projects. As part of the study, I organized workshops on photography with different women’s groups and organizations; during one of them, we had a very interesting discussion. Participants talked about how wearing niqab affects how people are perceived by others: it’s difficult to smile at your neighbor if you don’t see her face. One woman realized that she had never thought about whether to politely consider or try to speak to a stranger who wears a veil. As a result, many representatives of the Asian diasporas admitted that others misunderstand the reasons for which they cover their heads; subsequently, this translates into harmful stereotypes and negative attitudes towards women.
This discussion inspired me. I wanted to make a project that would tell about the tradition of covering the head in different cultures, and modern women who would decide to follow this tradition would become its heroines. I wanted people unfamiliar with this tradition to hear the stories of representatives of various Asian diasporas and to understand their motives more deeply. I spent my childhood in India and Saudi Arabia and managed to see different types of burqa. Hijab, sari and chunni are part of my cultural identity, it’s natural for me to cover my head. There is something soothing and inspiring to wrap yourself in sacred garments that are part of your culture.
I searched the heroines of "Purdah" in all possible ways. I was familiar with someone and shot them for other projects (for example, in one of the photos you can see my mother in a sari), you found others through local women's organizations. Sometimes I just approached strangers on the street and told me about my project. Several women refused to participate for personal or religious reasons, and I respect their decision. But most still agreed; I think they were bribed by the opportunity to tell people about their traditions. It was very important for me to provide photos of the heroines with their comments - they make the project more understandable for the audience and better reveal the main idea. In general, this is a big part - to work with so many women and show them through such a personal aspect as cultural identity.
I studied at a photographer in Edinburgh, since 2006 I have regularly completed internships in various art residences and clusters, and also participate in collective projects devoted to the study of cultures and diasporas in Scotland. I have always been interested in the history and traditions of portraiture. It's amazing how many portraits shot or painted by masters of the past can tell. I shoot on large and medium format film cameras. I like the slow process of shooting, I like to find a common language with the characters, to build a composition and lighting. I always strive to ensure that the portrait tells the story of the hero - to achieve this, you need to spend time. Photography is a great power; one picture can be seen from several sides, tell several stories and unite a variety of people, each of whom will perceive it in his own way.
Thanks to the niqab, people really listen to me, and do not make up an opinion about me and my words on how I look
Hijab is my personal choice. I wear it with pride and thus identify myself as a Muslim
I would love to wear a sari all the time, but the Scottish climate does not allow it. In my culture, sari is a tribute to a sacred tradition. When I put it on, it seems as if I was wrapped in jeweled fabric and transferred back to India
Dastar is a part of the personality of each Sikh, a sacred piece of clothing worn by both men and women. For me, a dastar like a crown on my head - inspires to be a strong and confident woman.
I started wearing the hijab a year ago, then none of my relatives believed that for me this was a serious decision. My mom and sisters do not wear the hijab. Friends also said they did not represent me in it. But everything has changed! Now everyone, on the contrary, cannot imagine me without a hijab
Hijab is an outward manifestation of my faith, it is much more than just a piece of cloth. He talks about what kind of person I am and how I treat others
I cover my head during services and religious ceremonies - it helps me to distract from everyday affairs and establish a spiritual connection with God
I cover my head with my dupatta during prayers or as a sign of respect when I find myself in the circle of older relatives
This is my personal choice, my decision.
I have been wearing tudung since I was 12, it is an important tradition for women in my religion. It allows me to feel confident and comfortable in any situation.
arpitashah.com