“Between portraiture and culture” is a visual testimony of individuals whose origins are unique from my own. Through it, I intend to (re)frame the role of photography as a narrator of peoples and places, but more importantly to (re)examine the narrative itself told by one photograph. Portraiture, conferring to history and time, will henceforth be the central practice in this project. It attends to the layered dimensions of identity in diaspora; where America became a second home and English their second language, like myself. Visiting family archives, I will document stories memorialized through photographs and carried across generations. Ultimately, this project seeks to elevate the complex beauty that lives between portraiture and culture.
“What languages do you speak? Any expressions or celebrations where a certain language is always used?”
"I’m from Zanzibar & I speak Swahili, one expression I find really beautiful in my language is "Kwa Her" which translate to "go in peace" when telling someone goodbye." @muna_b
“how would you describe this journey we call life?”
“My parents both immigrated to the US in the early 70s to escape communism back home in Poland. I would say life is a mixture of falling and getting back up (my favorite quote is “Fall 7 times. Stand up 8”). In life I’d say I haven’t been dealt the easiest hand, but I always try to think about what I still want to accomplish and I think that’s very true of the immigrant experience as well. I’m currently in my first year of PA school and I hope that one day soon I’ll be out there making a positive change in people’s lives health wise and lending an open ear at the same time to truly listen to their stories.” @bernpych
“What are some traditions that you’ve given up or changed?”
“In Dominican Republic, The tradition of straightening hair became a way of imitating higher class and to separate ourselves from neighboring countries when it came to looks.
Yo Amo Mi Pajón! Which translates to “I love my fro, my curls!” Personally, the journey of accepting my hair for the way it is allowed me to preserve my culture and authenticity. I think my country is revolutionizing from racist beauty standards which is revolutionary for the next generation coming in. I want my country, especially young girls to embrace their natural curls and let go of the idea that we have to look a certain way to be seen or accepted.” @bethanypuente
“what traditions or customs have you made an effort to persevere?”
“My parents made a conscious effort to keep Trinidadian culture in my life. As a young boy my father taught me how to play the steel pan, Trinidad’s national instrument. I was constantly exposed to Caribbean music, whether it was at home, in the car, or somewhere my parents took me. Most of the meals made at home were traditional Caribbean dishes, my parents took great pride in cooking.” @em.charge
“What languages do you speak? Any expressions or celebrations where a certain language is always used?
“I’m Berber from Morocco, and although I speak many languages including French, Arabic, English and Spanish, Tamazight has always been my native tongue. One expression that my grandmother always tells me in Tamazight is “ⴰⵍⵎⵔⴰ ⴽⴰⵍⴼⴰⵙ ⴰⵢⵏⵎⴰ ⴷⵀⴱⵜ ⵜⵟⵍⵇ ⴰⵍⵏⴱⴰⵜ (Tamazight) or in Darija “لمرة بحال الفأس فين ما مشات كطلق النبات”, which means “A woman is like a mattock, wherever she goes she can use her strength to make things flourish”. She uses this expression to remind me how strong I am as woman and that I’m capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to.” @africanberberwoman
"tell me about yourself, aspirations, dreams and what you're curious about? how would you describe this journey we call life?"
"I am Egyptian-American & speak both languages fluently. At my core, I am a curious and empathetic person. I love to make people laugh and to enjoy simple things. I enjoy learning about the world, the people around me, the complicated dynamics of relationships through all forms of art. I know I am meant to be creative, I just haven't found the medium in which it feels right to express it. That's the part of my journey I am on right now to figure out. I am still learning how to become better each day to the world around me." @nayelebra
“do you know any stories about how your family first came to the US?”
"My family’s story about coming to this country was one brimming with hope of a new start and opportunities in this country. My dad was an architect and my mom was an accountant in Egypt. My dad came on his own, after winning an immigration lottery. Like many others before him, the allure of raising children and starting a family in the “the land of opportunity” was one that trumped the blanket of security that life in Egypt offered him. Not long after that, my dad brought back my mother with nothing but aspirations for a better life.” @amer.farge