How does Europe conceive its identity in terms of definition, but also in terms of imagery? This is a timely and continuous process becoming all the more conscious to a larger public with each day passing. Social change could be used to create an open society, not afraid of these changes, rather adapting to them: We all belong to our future. My Islam. I wanted to reveal an image more true to her recognition as an independent young woman, in charge of managing her life to her standards and beliefs, being a young European woman knowing to deal with her paradox identity.
Therefore I was curious to know her intimate thoughts, her perception on her identity, her culture and religion, her ambition. This dialogue established itself through our encounter, as I tried to reveal that what I saw in her as a person, her inner-strength, her beliefs, her beauty, all reflected through her gaze, her posture, her voice.
Having divers backgrounds and origins, as well as having different lives and personal interests, these women have been portrayed in their intimate surroundings, captured in a gaze a far, yet so nearby and out-of-life, as if you could easily be with her in the same room, or passing her by like that in the streets. Her participation in this long-term project, was as important in the creation of the portraits hence presenting herself , so I could interpret her image naturally.
I Am — Paradox Identity was first conceived in Being participant of the Joop Swart Masterclass in , I had worked in several banlieues — suburbs, of Paris with Muslim adolescents, foremost with young women. I wanted to display an intimate view on these women as through a kaleidoscope of individual diversity. I used a variety of media in order to get as close as I could to my subject, through my personal approach in photography, interviewing, creating audio-recordings and filming fragments of the lives of my subjects, with which I followed them up-close throughout the years until well into The ensemble of images and interviews gives a personal report from within the private lives of these women.
The show was curated in collaboration with Gabriel Bauret Paris. The documentary feature I Am. My France. Available in English and French edition, copies altogether.
