The Observer and the Observed

Changing our rolls constantly was a struggle. To be an observer of our own society requires you to “other” the familiar and experience considerable serious ethical dilemmas. Here we took a picture of the Abaya hanger at someone’s home. Using one is a regular habit we would normally never notice and probably would not think of photographing.

Spaces Have Their Rules

A private elevator has the following signage “Please do not use perfumes in the elevator” and “The elevator is a blessing from God, let us be grateful to him as we ascend and as we descend”. An antiseptic hand cleanser is propped conveniently under the elevator buttons.

Navigating a City

We were fascinated by what people chose as directional markers to their homes. Here a woman told us to find the mobile phone mall and turn right at the “Banshar” (flat tire shop). After spotting a full row of car mechanics. We had an argument to what constitutes as a “Banshar”, is it a shop that fixes cars or specializes in tires? It turned out to be the latter.

Markers

Set in a very densely populated area with nothing interesting to use as a marker, this woman decided to make her home the neighborhood marker. She described her home as the Rainbow house. She pulled out a set of Ouds and chose the smallest one to play for us, she called the instruments her children.

Everyone Has an Archive

We came across the most interesting collections of books, dolls, clothes, and historical objects. Every Archive told us a story about the person that put it together.

Spaces Have Their Rules – Part 2

We were invited to speak about our project at an independent gathering of writers and thinkers called the Sunday Group. There were very clear rules of conduct, an agenda to follow, and strict time keeping. After the presentations, everyone was invited to dinner. The atmosphere became friendly and convivial like you would have at a typical dinner party among friends. The sign reads “Please, attendees must place their phones on silent”

Women’s Networks in Text

“Our next meeting, god willing, will be on September 21. The topic of discussion is the experience of preparing for the upcoming municipal elections for women (Baladi) speaker: Nora Sowayan, the Supervisor of the session is Dr. Mashael Baker, Host: Hussa Al Jowhar at 7:30pm. The Group is also honored to have in attendance: Dr. May Al-Dabbagh, Manal Al-Dowayan. We look forward to your attendance.”

Give Me Something to Write On!

Navigating different cities in Saudi depended on our familiarity with the city, access to transportation, and time of meeting. In this photo, the only piece of paper we could find to write directions on was a boarding pass from Dammam to Riyadh. We scribble what we can make out of a phone call with one of our intervewees. The scribble reads “ Garmooshi is on your left handside, then turn right”. Apparently everyone in Jeddah knows where Garmooshi is. We didn’t.

Objects

On our trip we collected numerous objects that women shared with us. Each object comes with a story. This object is a photograph of one of our interviewee’s father. In some cases we photographed these objects. We also documented the stories about them. Most were extremely nostalgic. A few were hauntingly familiar.