Aiysha Mirza
Digital media & photography

MADE YOU LOOK
4 x A1 photographs

‘“My images are purposely confrontational”, says artist Aiysha Mirza, whose work is concerned with race and identity of the young British Muslim community. The physical size of the four images that make up MADE YOU LOOK make it almost impossible to escape the gaze of the woman covered up in a Palestinian kaffiyah. The images are aggressive yet alluring. The eyes tell the viewer to read the individual as a person and not by their own judgments or misconceptions. So by placing a young Muslim in front of you, the artist, forces you to recognize the image as being that of a British Muslim.

The series was named after a pivotal track by rap artist Nas. These photographs are politically charged, addressing issues of identity and cultural misrepresentation by the mainstream media of young British Muslims due to the current political climate.

“I am trying to capture the spirit of many young British Muslims as they spoke to the public with out speaking through their eyes their portraits spoke of how they felt. Most people try to avoid looking into the eyes of a person... but when that photograph is in your face and those eyes are staring at you.... you cannot escape the questions, the aggression, the confidence, whatever the individual wants you to understand, and undoubtedly his or her presence.”

Aiysha, a Hounslow resident, graduated in fine arts from St Martins College of Art & Design.


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