DYADIC | MAPJD 2016/17 | Projects

Lifting the Veil: The Women Who Choose to Wear it

The niqab is the controversial item of clothing that leaves only a woman’s eyes visible. It polarises opinion and spurs passionate debate about religion, security, personal freedom and the rights of women - but how much do we actually know about those who wear it?

Despite the relatively small number of women donning the face veil, debate is fierce and sensational headlines provoke strong emotions – a Comres poll suggests 55% of the British public would back an outright ban, similar to the one in France.

So why so much debate? This project was inspired by frustration that the media perpetuates an ‘othering’ of niqab wearing women. A one dimensional, dehumanisation which presumes no agency on the part of women who choose to cover. The niqab, how it is photographed, presented and spoken about has become a symbol of oppression appropriated by politicians and feminists. Rarely ever do we hear from the real women who wear it, thus promoting marginalisation and segregation.

To counter this binary orientalist narrative, 'Lifting the Veil' presents a new perspective on the women behind the face veil. An installation using mixed media to challenge perceptions and tell a different story - one where we see niqab wearing women in a new context, their own environment.

www.shaistachishty.com

Shai@shaistachishty.com

@shaistographer

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Lifting the Veil: The Women Who Choose to Wear it | Photography by Shai Chishty