GPP Talks with Reem Falaknaz

Join us on Thursday, November 15 at 7pm for a womens only artist talk with Reem Falaknaz about her latest project, "If a hymen breaks and no one hears it." This event has limited seating, and is only open to women, so RSVP here to secure your spot! 

 

Project Description 

 

A girl believes her hymen is lost. She writes: Dear sheikh. May I repair it? Dear doctor. Please repair it.  

A herbalist provides photos of girls in his office, carrying a celebratory cake and a virginity certificate. “Here’s your proof.”

“Buy 5 for the price of 10!” the temporary fake hymens and blood capsules from China advertise. 

 A female Egyptian sorcerer talks to the girls on her online forum: “Your body is yours. I am sorry for society’s unfair  judgement and punishments set on you.”

“Permanency is our guarantee!”, boasts the plastic surgeon.

 

“If a hymen breaks, and no one hears it” is a research project that focuses on hymen repair remedies offered to women in the MENA region. It documents conversations with muftis, herbalist sheikhs, doctors, and sorcerers, who offer solutions promising full restoration.

 

This work was developed as part of Samt's annual Mentorship program. Curated by Walid Al Wawi and Sargon Latchin.

 

About the Artist

 

Reem Falaknaz is a documentary photographer based in the UAE. In 2014, she took part in the Arab Documentary Photography Program that is funded by the Arab Fund for Art and Culture, the Prince Claus Fund, and Magnum Foundation. Her commissions include UAE's National Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale.