Disenchantment

My project "Disenchantment" is conceived as a modern fairy tale. As in classic fairy tales, good and evil exist here too, though not in the form of clearly identifiable characters, but as social forces and interpersonal experiences. In my project, the good is embodied by women and non-binary people. Through their connection with themselves and with one another, and through the strength that arises from this community. At the heart of it lies closeness, touch, trust and mutual care. The photographs depict spaces in which intimacy can be given, people feel secure in their own bodies, and show a solidarity that offers both protection and resistance. Set against this is the latent threat to which people who are perceived, socialised or identify as female are exposed within patriarchal structures. However, this threat is not depicted directly. Rather than showing explicit images of violence or perpetrators, an atmosphere of unease pervades the entire project. Much like in real life, this danger often has no clear face; it remains diffuse, subliminal and yet constantly present. Symbolic motifs emerge as representations of patriarchal power structures, hinting at potential threats: a watchful gaze, a dark path, an open door or an object left behind. These visual cues are deliberately left open-ended, allowing viewers to bring their own associations and memories to bear. The uncanny arises not from the depiction of concrete violence, but from the possibility of its existence. It is precisely this openness that creates a tension between protection, vulnerability and danger. The project thus explores the experience of existing as a person perceived, socialised or identifying as female within a patriarchal society, without resorting to direct depictions of violence. Instead, the focus is on strategies of closeness, self-empowerment and community. The images depict moments of support and mutual reinforcement, as well as the possibility of finding security and resilience through connection with others. At its heart lies the question of how women and non-binary people can, despite existing threats, create spaces in which self-determination, intimacy and solidarity become possible.