- Title: UK-VEILED WOMEN EXHIBITION London photographer unveils pictures of 'hijabistas'
- Date: 5th March 2015
- Summary: VISITOR TAKING PICTURE OF PHOTOGRAPH ON DISPLAY
- Embargoed: 20th March 2015 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAB6QSSFPOI25SHQ563A3491B64
- Story Text: A photography exhibition showing women in hijabs is currently on at London's Royal Festival Hall.
The work is a collection of photographs by Iranian-born Sara Shamsavari. She shot the pictures over four years, in London, New York and Paris.
The exhibition shows young Muslim women wearing the headscarf not just as an expression of faith, but also to make a statement of style and individuality.
The hijab is worn in vibrant colours and prints, and coordinated with chunky accessories or carefully applied make-up, reflecting popular fashion trends.
Shamsavari said she wanted to show that Muslim women in Western countries were no different from the rest just because they dressed differently.
"These women are people like everybody else, with their own dreams, with their own aspirations, that you know, have their own goals and places where they want to go in life, just like anyone else. And they shouldn't be judged just because they are visibly showing their faith," she said.
"We are all human beings. We are all people -- there are differences, but there are so many similarities as well," she added.
The photographer said her experience of women in hijabs was different from the one conveyed by the media, and so she wanted to bridge that gap.
"Sometimes the image that we see projected en masse is quite different from our day-to-day experience of the same people who are being depicted," she said.
The hijab has become a topic of debate about multiculturalism in Europe. France banned the headscarf at state schools in 2004.
But Shamsavari said she believed in the freedom of choice.
"I am neither an advocate nor a critic of the veiling or the hijab. I am coming from the perspective of someone that believes that every person should have the freedom to choose their experience and their life," she said.
Visitors to the exhibition seemed impressed.
"It's good combination of people with their colours and their costumes. It's good to see how people can express themselves, however they want, so long as they don't impose their views on others," said Jeff Duran.
The display also featured a film showing interviews with some of the women in the exhibition.
Amirah Chairil, a student from Malaysia, was among those who were in the film.
She said she had reservations about wearing the hijab in London before she moved there, but her scepticism didn't last.
"Coming here, I was actually quite scared that I would be discriminated because of what I wear. But surprisingly, people in London are really nice," she said.
Chairil's observation about London was reflected in what people in the street had to say about the hijab.
"(Foreigners should) embrace the English culture and traditions as well. Comes down to fitting in as well. But as long as it's not offensive, I think it's fine," said Peter.
"Headscarf is complete choice, isn't it? But if you are covering up your face, I don't think that's security. That's a security issue completely," said Carol.
Harrison Cole said people's "personal choices in terms of culture and in terms of religions are theirs".
"My only experience of women in headscarves is of three of four Palestinian women I know quite well. And they are incredibly forthright, educated, fun, brilliant people who are not in any way submissive or trampled on," said Ellie, countering a common perception that some women are forced to wear the hijab by their family members.
The photo exhibition is part of the "World of the World Festival" celebrating women and girls, to coincide with World Women's Day on March 8.
The exhibition runs till March 29. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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