VANITY

MARIAM

“VANITY” explores external beauty, tradition, and the expectations/value placed upon the externalities of Emirati women. The series intends to capture the ornateness of it all—the rich textures, loud patterns, vibrant colors that come together to form the elaborate and meticulous nature of local beauty standards. The series also captures the personal—all of the times I would wear gold around my neck, would decorate my arms with henna, and then would straighten my hair in order to feel pretty. It is also an ode to myself for ever believing that.