A recent photography project from Amit and Naroop, two photographers based in London, England, shows Sikh people in turbans as a means to celebrate their culture and fight against racist stereotypes.
When considering the discrimination that Sikh people are often faced with in the United States, the two sought to pay tribute to them by photographing 40 different Sikh people from around the country after being requested to replicate a former project by the Sikh Coalition in New York City. The photographers explained the series in an interview with Mashable by saying "It became a collection of images that symbolized the power of identity."
When comparing the project to their earlier documentation of Sikh people in Britain, they came to realize the differences between how the countries react to the culture. They explained this by saying "In the U.S., we were shocked to see how little people knew about Sikhs. They were misunderstood and, to a certain degree, feared."
Celebratory Sikh Portraiture
Amit and Naroop Photographed Sikh People in Turbans for a New Project
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Celebration - Photography project celebrating Sikh culture challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity.
2. Identity Empowerment - Series of portraits highlights the power of identity and encourages self-expression.
3. Awareness and Education - Lack of knowledge about Sikhism in the U.S. brings attention to the need for education and understanding.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunity for photographers to use their craft to promote inclusivity and challenge stereotypes.
2. Cultural Preservation - Initiatives to celebrate and preserve cultural diversity gain importance in creating a more inclusive society.
3. Education and Advocacy - Organizations and individuals can focus on raising awareness and promoting understanding of Sikhism in the U.S.