the-bureau-of-propaganda:Gazan Body Builders - Tanya HabjouqaTanya Habjouqa believes it is a disserv
the-bureau-of-propaganda:Gazan Body Builders - Tanya HabjouqaTanya Habjouqa believes it is a disservice to ignore the humor and joy of Palestinian life. Preserving a sense of playfulness and fun despite tremendous obstacles, she said, speaks to the people’s strength and is essential to their survival. Her series, “Occupied Pleasures,” is a portrait of the life that doesn’t often make it in news reports. “I wanted people to look and see the people who’ve been reduced to a complete stereotype. I wanted people to look and laugh and think,” she said.While images of destroyed landscapes and angry and grief-stricken residents do speak to significant parts of the Palestinian experience, Habjouqa’s images show that portrayal is incomplete. Like people all over the world, Palestinians find time for hobbies and activities like surfing, bodybuilding, and parkour, as well as pure amusements like visits to zoos and theme parks. Everywhere Habjouqa traveled, she also witnessed their signature black humor.“Humor is a coping mechanism, and it’s very prevalent among Palestinians. I aimed to capture some of that humor and sarcasm and also the absurdity of the situation,” she said. -- source link