WHAT SEPARATES / UNITES US
Concept and Photography: Jasmeen Shaqueita
Special Thanks to:
Al Farooq Mosque & IFGF Church Atlanta
On two distinct occasions, I had the privilege of documenting the Friday prayer at Al Farooq and the Sunday Morning service at IFGF Atlanta. Stepping into the mosque was a tranquil experience, with its serene ambiance accentuated by quiet, pale walls adorned with windows that allowed natural light to filter in. The congregation moved in perfect harmony with the Imam's commands during the Friday prayer.
In stark contrast, upon entering the church, a lively greeting awaited, accompanied by the sounds of the morning worship practice. The atmosphere was electric as people sang fervently in worship, their hands raised in devotion.
However, beyond these apparent disparities, when the day concluded, I returned home with a profound sense of connection, gratitude, vitality, and well-being. Despite the variations in their practices, both religions shared common elements—collecting donations for charity, fostering a sense of community, and worshipping God. It became clear that the two faiths had more in common than I had initially presumed.
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
Concept & Photography: Jasmeen Shaqueita
Muse: Lucas Tam & Catherine Lin
Shot on Sony A6300, Printed and Scanned in Orientation
[Featured in Kudeta Mag 14th Edition & Scad Connector]
The essence of this photo series unfolds through two distinct narratives: one following the boy's everyday life, portrayed in shades of yellow, and the other capturing the girl's journey in blue. Within this narrative, these two individuals are depicted as soulmates who, despite having not yet crossed paths, are inherently linked. The arrangement of the photos reflects the subtle interconnection between their lives, creating a seamless transition from one frame to the next.
As the story unfolds, the two narratives eventually converge into a vibrant shade of purple, symbolizing their union within the dreamworld, where physical distance ceases to separate them. This serves as a poignant reminder that, in the realm of dreams, they are eternally united, regardless of the geographical chasm that separates them in the waking world.