Emergence

Emergence is a new and continuing body of work revealing a new era emerging for the Muslim community in the face of heightened Islamophobia. We are standing fearless in the face of adversities, while simultaneously expressing and embodying tenderness within ourselves and with each other. A recurring radiant ball of light emerges sprinkled into images, representing Nur, an Arabic word used as a symbol for Divine guidance and knowledge. Working with the beauty of nature, these images take place in locations that symbolize the idea that wherever we are, our faith is grounded within us and is something that cannot be shaken out of us. 

Emergence is more than a photographic body of work, I intend for it to be a meditative, safe and healing space for Muslims to feel affirmed in their existence, experiences and feelings. This image making session starts with a grounding exercise and discussion, in which I ask everyone to take 3 minutes to close their eyes and feel the emotions they’ve been experiencing with the current state of the world. Throughout the image making process, I offer a collaborative moment where I welcome the participants to pose as they felt after doing the grounding exercise. As the photo session comes to an end, we conclude with a prayer stating our intentions and our hopes for the future of the Muslim community.