"Can I come over and take your picture?" - Unveiling the Power of Cross-Cultural Womanhood
In a bold move, Clémence Polès Farhang, an immigrant herself, embarked on a decade-long journey to explore and celebrate womanhood through her unique lens. Her creation, Passerby magazine, became a platform to challenge societal norms and empower women to redefine their narratives.
Polès Farhang's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art. She explains, "I wanted to break free from the misogynistic ideals ingrained in my education. Photography became my tool to challenge these norms and view women with curiosity and respect."
Passerby, an extensive photographic and oral archive, features over 300 women from diverse backgrounds, captured in their homes across New York, Paris, London, and Los Angeles. This collection is a celebration of womanhood, a testament to the strength and resilience of these women, and a challenge to conventional expectations.
As Polès Farhang prepared for her first solo exhibition, "Can I come over and take your picture?" at Slip House in New York, she realized the profound impact of displacement on these women's lives. Most of the portraits featured in the exhibition are of immigrants or their children, and their stories reveal how displacement shaped their sense of self, work, and belonging.
"I was inspired by Carmen Winant's work, 'The Last Safe Abortion,' which highlighted how photography can be a powerful tool for advocacy. I wanted to explore how we can use images to challenge the narrative around immigration. The language often used is focused on movement and control, but these portraits showcase a different facet - women building homes, creating art, and finding their place in the world."
Let's delve into the stories of some of these remarkable women:
Huong Dodinh: Huong fled her home in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, at the age of eight due to war. Settling in Paris, she recalls the stark contrast between the lush greenery of Vietnam and the bare trees of Paris. Her journey included boarding school in France, a challenging environment for a young girl who didn't understand French. Despite these obstacles, Huong pursued her passion for art, attending the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and being present during the May 68 protests. Today, she leads a monastic life, rarely leaving her home.
Rose: Rose, from Guerrero, Mexico, arrived in New York at 22, leaving her young children behind. Her determination to provide a better life for her family is inspiring. Upon arrival, a kind taxi driver offered her shelter and introduced her to a manager who provided her with a room. Rose's story is a testament to the resilience of immigrant women and their unwavering love for their children.
Shirin Neshat: Neshat, an Iranian, grew up fantasizing about America through Hollywood. However, her arrival in Los Angeles brought a sense of depression. She found solace in gathering Iranian artists, creating an extended family. Neshat's story highlights the deep impact of childhood experiences and the challenges of adjusting to a new culture.
Ana Kraš: Kraš, born in Belgrade, experienced the Bosnian war as a child. The closure of borders and the economic turmoil that followed shaped her perspective on life. At 15, she embarked on a modeling journey to Tokyo, a decision that marked the end of her childhood and the beginning of her independence. Her move to the United States brought challenges, but she found solace in her alone time, a contrast to the perception others might have of her.
Isabel Sandoval: Filmmaker Sandoval, born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, discovered her true self after moving to New York. She navigates the complexities of identity politics, striving to transcend labels and approach her work with pure artistry.
Naïlat Salama Djae and Salimata Ali Chahidi: Mother and daughter, Chahidi and Djae, immigrated from the Comoro Islands and built a comfortable life in Paris. Chahidi, a social worker, helps refugees prepare their asylum files, a deeply emotional process. Djae, a PR manager, shares her unique relationship with her mother, contrasting their emotional expressions.
Tiana Rainford: Rainford, raised by a Jamaican immigrant mother, grew up in East New York. Her mother's emphasis on healthy, cultural food and her work at a community farm reflect a deep connection to her roots and a commitment to nourishing her community.
Sunny Shokrae: Shokrae, a photographer who left Iran as a child, found her way back to Tehran through her lens. Her story highlights the power of connection and the search for a sense of belonging.
These women's stories, captured through Polès Farhang's lens, challenge societal norms and showcase the beauty of cross-cultural womanhood. Their journeys are a reminder of the strength and resilience that lies within each of us.
What do you think? Do these portraits challenge your perceptions of immigration and womanhood? Share your thoughts and let's continue this important conversation!
