Douaa El Azizi

My work is an exploration of the use of fabric, gesture and objects in attempt to express the relationship between my religious, western and Moroccan culture influence. I made the decision to design and sew patterned pieces in order to connect with traditional Moroccan women working methods. My mother participated in this process which enabled her to share her knowledge and experience in this field. My father and I participated in other activities which enabled us to communicate. I became more interested in documenting this process as opposed to the finished outcomes. Moreover, being a London based student that was born in Spain and of Moroccan heritage, my work is heavily influenced by the process in which we claim our surrounding spaces in attempt to make them feel closer to home. I merged my textile skills alongside the use of ethnic household items and materials that form part of my identity into my photography. Capturing the indoor private scene with a camera proved to be quite invasive and uncomfortable for my family. I wanted to explore how much I can push this documentation process considering the sensitivity of the matter and respecting ones privacy. Whilst also being a Muslim woman and what that means when we put our stories out to the world. Is there a gaze that I should be conscious of and can I rectify it?