État Des Choses Magazine / N3 Confrontation

I had the privilege of photographing the cover for État des Choses, a magazine dedicated to contemporary artistic and literary reflections. For the third edition, I sought to explore themes of identity, heritage, and introspection. Using mirrors as a central metaphor, I aimed to reflect the intricate layers of self-awareness and cultural influence.

Initially, I envisioned capturing these images in the desert of Wadi Musa, on the border of Jordan and Palestine—my ancestral homeland. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, this setting was not possible. The concept of incorporating a veiled figure drew inspiration from the traditional attire required for survival in such harsh environments, where clothing serves as protection against sand, wind, and sun. While veiling carries profound cultural and spiritual meanings across societies, my focus was on its functional origins and aesthetic power, steering away from contemporary European debates on the topic. In the image, the veil’s flowing fabric emphasizes the interplay of gaze and drapery, symbolizing the enduring impact of Islamic culture on the diverse communities of the Middle East. For me, the region’s cultural richness transcends communal divides, and my goal was to celebrate the strength and beauty of this shared heritage.

This project was created in collaboration with Laeticia, who investigates her own connections between Switzerland and Morocco. Together, we used the mirror as a symbolic tool, representing the confrontation between soul and body. By inviting the viewer to question the boundary between reflection and reality, the piece provokes deeper engagement with its layers of meaning.