Under Pressure(?)

In the following photo series you can see my friend Elissar, 18, originally from Lebanon and Muslima. She’s living out Islam in a European country according to her own ideas and standards. At this point, let me add a fictional scenario to the photos: Imagine that strictly religious relatives, Aunt and Uncle, from Elissar's home country are visiting her family. Now every photo caption is a question or an expletive from these relatives to Elissar's parents. The questions and expletives refer to the successful living of her niece's religion. In contrast to these stand the photos themselves. Elissar has respect for Islam, but sees herself in a dilemma. And so she is creating a parallel existence through her actions: “The westernized form of Islam“. With this photo series I want to show that there are difficulties and confrontations for young Muslims, especially young girls, living in a Western society. I don’t want to provoke strictly religious people. I just want to show that there are a lot of people who have the will to adapt - and do so. But sometimes there are just little barriers.

"Does Elissar drink alcohol?"By Virgilio Vogels
"So much nudity!"By Virgilio Vogels
"Does Elissar have a Muslim boyfriend?"By Virgilio Vogels
"We hope she does no nonsense, at all!"By Virgilio Vogels
"Does Elissar pray often?"By Virgilio Vogels
"Elissar is traveling alone?!"By Virgilio Vogels
"Elissar is celebrating Pride?!"By Virgilio Vogels
"Bye"By Virgilio Vogels

See Also

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zenith Photo Award 2014

The third edition of the zenith Photo Award called upon professional and amateur photographers alike to pick up their cameras and take part in the debate on what Islam in Germany looks like.