Hicham Gardaf via Bronx Documentary Center

Written by Caroline Johnson

Copyedited by Chloë Rain

Photo Edited by Julia Borges

An Expression of Absence is an exhibition presented by The Bronx Documentary Film Center and the Magnum Foundation. The show features 15 projects from various artists in the Arab Documentary Photography Program (ADPP). Through a lens of history, tainted by colonialism and ongoing political instability, these photographers investigate and dissect themes of home, belonging, identity and seemingly incessant change. Many of the images take an approach of moving from an exterior, public sort of setting into a much more intimate and personal interior setting. These photographs encompass the seen and unseen, from visual observations to a more emotional level, introspectively combining the mind and the body.

ADPP was founded in 2014, during the height of the Arab Spring, providing mentorship and support to photographers across the Middle East and North Africa through twelve grants per cycle. With these resources, many photographers are able to shed light on the stereotypes, realities, and experiences of individuals that might not have otherwise had the opportunity. The ‘non-stereotypical and unconventional visual documentation of important social issues and narratives relevant to the Arab region’ are given the space and time within the art world to be seen and understood through the eyes of those that have lived through it.

Amina Kadous via Bronx Documentary Center

Diana Hany’s photograph of birds perfectly introduces the idea of movement and migration, temporary homes and this seemingly never-ending search for a long-term home. The incessant searching is also portrayed through Amina Kadous’ image of someone climbing a pile of what looks like cotton. The lack of structure to the material makes it apparent that there is not much hope of progress or an eventual summit of this mountain. Rather, this is a constant struggle, making this figure fight what’s in front of them without any promise of a successful ending. This physical suffering is applicable to emotional suffering as well, as the need for stability and consistency is not only a physical displacement, but a situation that causes emotional toil that can feel like a never ending, insurmountable struggle.

Omar Inman’s photograph gives a much more direct interpretation and situation for the viewer to face. The scene itself does not contain threatening content, but Inman’s choice of compositional and special relationship between the two figures makes it look like a much more dangerous situation. Rather, the seated figure is watching a magician perform their act. This reinterpretation of a composition that could otherwise hold much more weight fights the stereotypes that many people have of the middle-east and the surrounding regions. While situated in a way that leads someone to make assumptions, it is a scene of entertainment, allowing the viewer to reconsider their first response and begin to analyze where those assumptions originate. There is an absence of fear, terror, and danger.

Seif Kousmate via Bronx Documentary Center

Seif Kousmate’s portrait utilizes special effects to offer a reinterpretation or another way of viewing the landscape surrounding the figure. This once again fights the stereotypes of the region being desolate or barren. The man is surrounded by greenery and foliage, creating a beautiful oasis. The special effects add a level of mysticism and magic. The viewer is drawn to this dream-like world, experiencing the absence of fear or preconceived notions.

These photographs range from feelings of fear to feelings of hope. A search for consistency and learning to cope with the absence that is nearly unavoidable is approached and explored from every angle, each one. The entire breadth of human emotions are explored and displayed through this exhibition, shining a light on the narratives and stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Both are on view through December 18:

Bronx Documentary Center

614 Courtlandt Ave, Bronx, NY 10451

Thurs-Fri 3-7pm and Sat-Sun 1-5pm

Free admission

Magnum Foundation

59 East 4th St, 7W, NY, NY 10003

Thursdays 3-6 pm

Free admission