Panoramas and Personas: Setting and Subject in Rania Matar’s Photographic Works

Date

2021

Authors

Walker, Hannah

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University of Texas at San Antonio, College of Liberal and Fine Arts

Abstract

In this research paper, I have investigated photographer Rania Matar’s usage of the physical landscape, natural and/or artificial, in combination with the physical bodies of her subjects, to create dialogue with the viewer concerning circumstances of identity, social pressures, and culture. Matar’s work imparts a unique approach to commentary on issues that are important to her and her subjects; said commentary is achieved through the skillful merging of person and place to form the desired narrative, and the method of delivery to the audience (photography as medium) solidifies her approach’s success. Here I provide an introduction to the artist, as well as to specific influential historical/contemporary contexts, and examine six images from published collections to illustrate the effect of Matar’s merging of the outside world and the inner world within her photographs.

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Department

Art and Art History
Art and Art History