Artist Statement
A decade ago, I embarked on a project that took me from New York to Pakistan. My goal was to photograph and interview women who had endured the harrowing experience of acid attacks. Coming from a fashion photographer's perspective, my objective was to comprehend and establish my personal interpretation of the concept of beauty.
This endeavor resulted in the project titled "Without a Face," which not only captured these women’s stories but also challenged societal norms surrounding beauty. The resilience and strength displayed by these women opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of what it means to be beautiful. Their scars told tales of survival, defiance, and an unyielding spirit that transcends conventional standards.
Expanding on this initiative, I have continued to delve into the concept of beauty and its social and cultural implications through my ongoing project.
I am traveling throughout the United States engaging with women whose beauty transcends their scars, skin disorders, age, and struggles. Each encounter reveals a deeper narrative about strength and self-acceptance, challenging conventional definitions of beauty. Each encounter reinforces the idea that true beauty lies in individuality and authenticity—not in societal standards or superficial appearances.
In a world increasingly obsessed with the external, the fleeting, the material, I seek to remind viewers of the forgotten - that which transcends the physical. The form we present to the world is but a facade, hiding the true luminescence that emanates from within.
