État Des Choses, Magazine, Issue N3: Confrontation // Oct 2021 (scroll down for pictures)

I had the chance to do the cover Pictures for the Magazine "État des Choses" which is a magazine of contemporary artistic and literary reflections. 

In designing the cover of this third edition of the magazine, I wanted to confront my influences and origins through the self-reflection that mirrors offer.

I had planned to take these photos in the desert of Wadi Musa, which is located on the outskirts of the Jordan and Palestine region, where I am originally from. Unfortunately, this was not possible, for known reasons. The idea of featuring a veiled person comes from the clothing traditions necessary for life in the desert and does not play into the hands of the current European policy on veiling. We also wanted to use its aesthetics to highlight the play of gaze and draping in the photo. It was a way for me to represent the omnipresent Islamic culture and traditions and its cultural impact even on Christian Arabs. The communitarianism present in the Arab world does not make sense to me in this region of rich cultures. My aim is to make people aware of the strength and richness of this region.

I chose to work with Laeticia, who works on her bonds between Switzerland and Morocco. The mirror represents the confrontation with oneself, which one inflicts on oneself. It is also a symbol of the conflict between soul and body. The interplay of glances forces the viewer to search for which image is reflected and which is not, while at the same time forcing this confrontation.