Dreamy Day
Photo series, Cairo, 2004-2008
Preconceived notions of self-image reinforce an idealized vision of social identity. In many societies, this dynamic is vividly expressed in wedding events, such as those in Cairo. For the bride, groom, and their families, it is essential to create a representative and dreamlike day.
This series focuses on the representations of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The overall scenes capture the wedding atmosphere, which varies significantly depending on social class or religion. Close-up images highlight the ritualized actions, gestures, and the appearance of the bride and groom.
The effort to preserve this moment is evident through the extensive presence of photo and video coverage. However, the focus on capturing and recording every detail often overshadows the unique, cherished nature of the event. In some cases, the documentation of the ceremony becomes more important than the ceremony itself.
Related exhibitions:
- 2011 “Shaabi,” Serpentine Gallery, London, UK.
- 2009 “Embedded Realities,” Kunstraum, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- 2009 “Photocairo 4,” Brandts Museet for Fotokunst, Odense, Denmark.
- 2008 “Photocairo 4,” Townhouse Gallery, Cairo, Egypt.
Related publication:
- 2008 “The Long Shortcut,” by Aleya Hamza and Edit Molnár, Contemporary Image Collective (CIC), Cairo, Egypt.