Elles

by Françoise Beauguion

With France’s Muslim population growing, some politicians and media outlets have begun to oppose public displays of religious observance, such as praying in the street and wearing the niqab, in an attempt to preserve what they see as the country’s secular character.

In France, as in other nations, fear of those who look different grows naturally and is exploited by some politicians and traditionalists. Subtleties are lost and misunderstandings occur. Muslims are increasingly labeled as extremist Islamists; a subtle hijab is regarded as the same as a niqab; and a diverse population of recent immigrants are defined only by their religion.

“Elles” is a set of portraits of French Muslim women wearing the hijab. I focus on the scarf to represent the French’s perception of the hijab. Faces appear in the shadow, smiling and happy. Wearing the hijab is a choice and a statement of beliefs. How should it be treated in a country that promotes freedom of expression?

This series is designed for an European audience and to confront common misconceptions. It is designed to contribute to the European discussion about the place of Islam in everyday life.

French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion
French Muslim woman who wear the hijab. Colors and patterns in the light and a smiling face in the shadow. Two times to read the picture: Question about the hijab, the Muslim women, our perspective on them.By Françoise Beauguion

See Also

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zenith Photo Award 2014

Islam in Germany (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.

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