PROJECTS: THE VEIL - ongoing

-Various locations-

The western world has often cast a shadow over women in Islam who adorn a veil as part of their religious tradition, shunning the sheer fabric head-cover as a symbol of repression against women and labeling it a sign of the other world's primitiveness. Having myself grown up in a Muslim family with the majority of its female members adorning a veil, it is impossible for me to look at the strong-willed women in my life as being subject to a symbol that suppresses and discounts their ambition, determination and achievements. This project will show that the practice of covering a woman's hair, and sometimes face, is not restricted to followers of Islam - all the way from India to the Middle East women have traditionally adorned some form of head cover as a public display of modesty. The Veil will "unveil" a portrayal of women along a cross section of cultures that subscribe to this tradition, showcasing women's dignity and strong character while staying true to their femininity.

This project is critical to me on both an individual and general level. I firmly believe that since the 7/7 attacks in London and particularly the 9/11 attacks in the US and the ensuing "War on Terrorism" launched by the Bush administration, the west's perception of the Muslim world has been limited to extremist regimes, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia - regimes that employ strict measures against women and have regrettably become the trademark image of Islam to the west. But given Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with statistics showing it is the fastest expanding one with almost 1.57 billion followers world-wide, of which I am one, I find it decisive to explore a side of Islam that is not about fundamentalism and resentment towards the west as well as remind the western world that the Muslim world does not end at Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The militant ideology exposed by some followers of Islam is not the school of thought to which I am a descendent. It is the mentality of a minority that has unfortunately become the stereotype cast upon the majority. This project will explore what has become a defining icon of Islam and it will reveal the story of The Veil.