The attraction to Central Asia came through Mughal art. I found Gulistan Dance Company in Los Angeles, which specializes in dances of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. I attended their performances and persisted in developing a relationship with them for five years, until they finally agreed to model for me for one day. I was able to photograph them in twelve vignettes, providing the source material for this series.
I plunged in, with the goal of making beautiful, color-rich compositions, but after completing a few of them, I saw the emotional themes which unite them. Foremost, it's the value of women's friendships. This is being documented in psychology, that women's friendships uphold and strengthen them. Secondly, there are beautiful clothes. Both of my parents, and my father's parents before him, worked in fashion, so this is an interest which comes to me, not only culturally, but genetically. Thirdly is the importance of patterns, as a metaphor for stability. When I moved to a new country, I prayed to become established with healthy patterns in my new life. Finally, I want to glorify the strength and beauty of Central Asian women.
“Velvet Robes”
“Water Dance”
“Chai on Topcahn”
“Frame Drums and Pomegranates”
“New Ikat Purchase”
“Under the Veil”
