Identity Experiments in works by two Female Photographers of Yemeni Women (Eksperimen Identiti dalam Karya Fotografi oleh Dua Jurugambar Wanita Yemeni)

Abstract

Boushra Al-Mutawakkil and Amira Alsharifare two of the most important Yemeni photographers; they are both pioneers in presenting facets of Yemeni women through photography. Their works are considered controversial because they present bold and challenging opinions concerning social taboos against women in terms of space of freedom and veiling. Dress codes in Yemen have always been a very sensitive topic for discussion since they are generally linked to religious roots and customary traditions. Through their photographs, Al-Mutawakkil and Alsharif attempt to show the changes in hijab-wearing that range from the elegant traditional Yemeni veil with its diverse designs to the monochromatic abaya, always black and shapeless, a costume imported from the Gulf countries where women’s individual identities slowly disappear. By sharply contrasting the traditional Yemeni costume, the black abaya, and various stages of veiling as women become increasingly invisible as they are shrouded in black, Al-Mutawakkiland Alsharif express the determination,  beauty, mystery,  significance,  danger, and  fear as Yemeni women’s identitiesare regulated by politics,  religion and culture.  This papertherefore highlights Al-Mutawakkil and Al-sharif’s “identity experiments” as they produce scenarios of veiling in deliberately arranged settings as well as in natural public life. The implications of this study towards society are in the dissection of the male gaze in Yemeni society as well as a non-exotic representation of the hijaband how this influences the female identity in conservative Yemeni society.

Keywords: Social taboos; Veil; Yemeni women;Photography; Male gaze.

Abstract

Boushra Al-Mutawakkil dan Amira Alsharif merupakan dua jurugambar wanita Yemeni yang penting. Kedua-dua merupakan peneroka di dalam memaparkan aspek-aspek kehidupan wanita Yemeni melalui seni fotografi. Karya mereka ini dianggap berkontroversi kerana menonjolkan perspektif yang berani dan mencabar taboo sosial mengenai peranan wanita dari aspek kebebasan dan penutupan rambut serta aurat. Peraturan mengenai pemakaian di Yemen merupakan topik yang sensitive kerana ia berkaitan dengan asas-asas keagamaan serta tradisi masyarakat majmuk di Yemen. Melalui karya fotografi mereka, Al-Mutawakkil dan Alsharif menonjolkan kepelbagaian dan evolusi pemakaian hijab di Yemen dari tudung Yemeni yang tradisional dengan pelbagai rekabentuk kepada abaya monokromatik yang lazimnya berwarna hitam dan tidak berbentuk. Abaya merupakan penutup aurat yang diimpot daripada negara-negara Timur Tengah yang lain di mana identiti wanita sentiasa diselindungi. Dengan membandingkan peringkat penutupan aurat serta kepelbagaiannya di dalam masyarakat majmuk Yemen, Al-Mutawakkil dan Al-Sharif menonjolkan kegigihan, kecantikan, misteri, suasana bahaya dan perasaan takut apabila identiti wanita Yemeni dikongkong oleh politik dan budaya Yemeni. Artikel ini menganalisa eksperimen identiti oleh Al-Mutawakkil dan Alsharif yang menghasilkan pelbagai scenario pemakaian tudung di dalam latarbelakang yang diolah serta di dalam aksi yang semulajadi. Implikasi kajian ini adalah di dalam memberi pencerahan mengenai identiti wanita di dalam masyarakat majmuk Yemeni serta memberi representasi hidup di sebalik tabir hijab yang realistic dan tidak eksotik.

Kata kunci: Taboo sosial; hijab; wanita Yemeni; fotografi; renungan lelaki