THE VOICES OF THE DIASPORA
ABOUT THE BLOG
This blog is a platform for the children of the Diaspora or the Diaspora themselves. Those of us from minorities might find ourselves not being able to call anywhere 'home'. Whether that be the country we were born in or the country we're ethnically from. Ultimately, it's just a space for us to connect.
Of course myself and Halima, will be writing and uploading fortnightly, however there is no real structure for the topics so we'll upload whatever takes our fancy.
Nevertheless, if anybody wants to send in anything we have or haven't discussed - This could be: Poetry, articles, TV show/film reviews, photography or short stories. We would be happy to publish it even if you would like it to be anonymous.
We'll have all types of different categories, so there's something for everyone :) Lets start 2017 on a good note.
Send any emails, questions or queries to:
Thevoicesofthediaspora@gmail.com
Sara K.
THE SQUAD
Introducing:
SARA K
Blogger
Founder, Creator and Motivator of TVOTD.
​
HALIMA J
Blogger
Full time activist and hype man. Part time writer and photographer.
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CULTURAL ISOLATION
During this project I have found my voice as a photographer. Working more independently has allowed my own thoughts to lead me to something that can make a difference.
For this project we were asked to base our ideas around the National Museums in Wales. I took this opportunity to work in two of the Museums to create my project.
As I come from a Muslim Pakistani/Welsh background, something that has always affected is feeling misplaced and as if I do not belong. Being a victim of racism in my life had me question if I really fitted in. There is so much happening in the media against Muslims lately. I have been following ‘Tell Mama UK’ which is a website that gives news of Anti-Islamic attacks in the UK and I can see how much its happening.
I feel like it’s my stage as a photographer to tackle this. Everything in the museums is very white British. When I go there I do not feel like it’s for me. I wanted to use the museum as a backdrop to show what it is like when you place a Pakistani in traditional dress in a ‘white British’ scene.
Through my photographs I have managed to show feelings of displacement, isolation and culture difference. The feeling of being unwanted and pushed out of the British society has a running theme throughout the images.
When I walk into a very British place I feel scared as I can feel all of the looks and stares from people who are questioning my presence. This is a feeling that people from minorities who have a different colour skin experience especially Muslims in this specific time.
I took inspiration from Ingrid Pollards work pastoral interlude. Her work questions social constructs such as Britishness or racial difference, which I am also challenging.
This topic that I have chosen is affecting many people from minorities in the UK. I have chosen each photograph specifically and each has its own meaning
My model that I have chosen is originally from Pakistan and when I took her to the museums in traditional clothing she was also telling me how uncomfortable she felt as people stared at her.
- Ayesha Khan.
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Being outside of a traditional British house, with it icy and unwelcoming demeanour, the model is physically uncomfortable at the reception she is receiving – looks that suggest she doesn’t belong. The traditional Pakistani clothing, shows the difference of environment.
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The model intrudes on and looks in on a happy family. Both parties are present in the same place. A portrayal of isolation from the British way of life.
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The model stands infront of a glass cabinet which has statues of the Pope and Mary. The model recalls how she was required to pray the same way as everyone else in school. The glass between her and the religious figures creates a transparent divide.
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The mode sits on a pew inside a church. Juxtaposing the physical setting and her religious views. She faces away from the dark and faces the light. The darkness representing evil, which is a culture clash.
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Half in and half out the door. Similarly, she is stood in between the door way of two cultures. The darkness is symbolically seen as racism, dragging her back. She’s still not out of the dark, but is trying to get away. Isolated here, but not in reality.
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The photo is set in St Fagan’s. In typical British culture, red is used to keep away evil red however, in most Asian culture’s it’s a sign of happiness. See South East Asian weddings. The culture clash again shows the complete difference between the model and her setting. The model herself is clearly stressed or into deep thought, yet again she is Isolated from her environment.
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