Q : What sparked your interest in the burqa as a device , a metaphor ?
A : I am confused , curious , fascinated , repelled , inspired , bemused and aggravated by the burqa . So I thoroughly enjoy investigating Muslim subcultures that use it in rebellious ways : to illustrate creative , politically charged opinions .
I befriended someone who identifies with being a queer Muslim , closeted due to fear of alienating family and immense societal pressure . I discovered that several of the LGBTQI community in Iran and Saudi Arabia use the chador , niqab and burqa to cross-dress . This allows them to travel to private parties and express taboo love in these exceedingly restrictive and policed societies , where their actions are considered deviant and punishable .
On the other hand , when I was doing photographic work on the outskirts of Karachi , a particular family stood out . Women in burqas , children on their hips , groceries in hand , awkwardly attempting to cross a puddle while protecting their robes . It was their shoes that left me mesmerized : beautiful rhinestone-decorated heels , hennaed feet . Their feet were the only way they could express a fashionable identity . That image stayed for a long time .
Q : You ’ ve done this extraordinary intervention with color , begging the question : Are we supposed to look , or not ?
A : The photos on the burqa I ’ ve done predominantly black and white to further convey those dual and contradictory tendencies . I used a red burqa I found online ( pictured above ) that stood out like a sore thumb . It ’ s meant to protect and guard a woman ’ s modesty and body from unwanted predators . There was something utterly sensual and provocative about the blazing color , demanding attention and attraction . The contradictions were thrilling , so I ’ ve been experimenting with that lately . I recently
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