Shoufek (I see you)

‘Shoufek’ in Arabic could be translated as ‘I see you’. This series illustrates an unspoken dialogue between me - a western photographer - and the participants of the Shiite commemoration of ‘Ashura’. I’m documenting religious rituals in the Arab World since about a decade. I became particularly familiar with ‘Ashura’ commemoration in Bahrain that I try to attend every year. Over time my documentation went away from the graphic and dramatic ordinary coverage of Ashura that could be seen in mainstream media. I focused on the artistic production, the decoration, the role of men and women… I often find myself in very privileged situations where no foreigner photographers are to be seen even less a woman, this thanks to Bahraini friends. My purpose has always been to try to mingle and gather enough knowledge until I become unnoticed during the processions and ceremonies. But it became evidence that I will always be the foreigner, standing out very quickly. Until recently I though this would be a disadvantage for genuine and unstaged photographs, core of the documentary photography style. Nowadays I finally assume the fact that the Shiite mourners look at me as much as I look at them. I don’t wait anymore for them to look away to click. To the contrary I try to capture this furtive suspended moment where we connect with each other. It could be a look of surprise, of seduction, a sign of welcome or impatience, but it always tells so much more.

Ashura is the tenth day of Moharram, the first Islamic month. For Shiites particularly it is a day of mourning recalling the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (grandson of the prophet Mohammed) at Karbala in 680 AD. Each year during ten days, crowds of mourners attend commemorative services, reciting elegies, passion plays as well as processions of chest beating and self-flagellation, the tenth day being the climax of this dramatic tension.