Representation of female activists. The female body and resistance in the MENA region

This project focuses on influential female activists in Egypt, Tunisia and the Middle East. It examines the complexities of their identities, their modes of resistance and the politicized public spaces they 7 move in. It is a visual investigation into the representation of these Muslim women and their role, and more specifically the role of their bodies within the context of reform, resistance and revolution. Can images invite viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about women, politics, religion and personal identity? Is it possible to overwrite deeply ingrained existing stereotypes? These are only a few examples of questions that will be addressed. With knowledge of both Western and Eastern thought, this PhD project seeks to contribute and broaden the debate on representing Muslim women's struggles, sawing doubts about existing assumptions and on (mis)readings of cultural signs. Meanwhile it offers new artistic (re)presentations. Allowing more artistic experimentation such as photographic, audio and video montage and cross-media, will add a deeper subjective visual dimension to the existing work. New ways of displaying the work in various spaces will be examined. This extension will keep examining the so called boundaries between documentary image making and artistic image making. With a team of inspirational supervisors who have the necessary expertise, my goal is to realize visual installations and a book, backed by intensive literature and image study. This will be shared with students and peers through workshops, master classes, talks and screenings.

Keywords:ACTIVISM, WOMEN, RESISTANCE

Disciplines:History

Project type:Collaboration project