Presentation Title
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
Saudi Arabia, athletes, female athletes, Olympics, identity, public, private, art, photography
Department
Art and Art History
Major
Art
Abstract
In the summer of 2012, I made history as one of the first female athletes to compete for Saudi Arabia in the Olympics. This experience greatly impacted my life, leading me to pursue a body of creative work exploring the nuanced public and private perceptions of my newfound role as a “trailblazer” for women in Saudi Arabia. Based heavily upon research gleaned from the sociopolitical implications of my experience, my project deals with first-hand reflections and meditations surrounding my participation in the Olympics, as well as subsequent time spent in Saudi Arabia this past summer. I employ the use of photo documentation, various methods of portraiture, and installation to visually express my story. By utilizing a variety of mediums, I am able to explore the conversation between public and private identity. The ongoing process of visual documentation has enabled me to discover, first-hand, the deeply personal side of such a high profile, public event. I have come to realize that this struggle with identity is not uncommon; mine just came about in a very public manner. This tension between public and private is not meant to silence, but to empower and inspire a generation.
Faculty Mentor
Gretchen Batcheller
Funding Source or Research Program
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Presentation Session
Session C
Location
Plaza Classroom 188
Start Date
21-3-2014 5:00 PM
Person/Persona
Plaza Classroom 188
In the summer of 2012, I made history as one of the first female athletes to compete for Saudi Arabia in the Olympics. This experience greatly impacted my life, leading me to pursue a body of creative work exploring the nuanced public and private perceptions of my newfound role as a “trailblazer” for women in Saudi Arabia. Based heavily upon research gleaned from the sociopolitical implications of my experience, my project deals with first-hand reflections and meditations surrounding my participation in the Olympics, as well as subsequent time spent in Saudi Arabia this past summer. I employ the use of photo documentation, various methods of portraiture, and installation to visually express my story. By utilizing a variety of mediums, I am able to explore the conversation between public and private identity. The ongoing process of visual documentation has enabled me to discover, first-hand, the deeply personal side of such a high profile, public event. I have come to realize that this struggle with identity is not uncommon; mine just came about in a very public manner. This tension between public and private is not meant to silence, but to empower and inspire a generation.