Affiliation, Association, Belonging! A project by Pia Ahmed & MADWOMEN
Words by Pia Ahmed and MADWOMEN, edited by Sunayah Arshad
“The Affiliation Project”
Affiliation, Association, Belonging!
An ever fluid concept that has it‘s roots in identity. Who or what do I want to be part of, who do I identify myself with, and what tools do I use to showcase that.
Community is based on a social unit that has their own norms, views, religion, values, interests, symbols and identity. A major way of showing your affiliation to a certain community/group is through visual means.
This project is not just a creative endeavour, but a deeply personal and emotional project that we, Pia Ahmed and MADWOMEN, worked on. It touches upon the essence of Pia's identity and roots - something that is incredibly precious to her.
Berlin-based Pia is passionate about changing perceptions of South Asians in Germany and beyond, proudly embracing her Bangladeshi heritage. Through her work, Pia aims to celebrate and showcase the richness of her culture while inspiring others to do the same.
MADWOMEN is a Berlin-based collective of creative women that want to inspire each other, learn from each other and make shit happen.
With this photo and video project we wanted to explore what ‘affiliation‘ can mean in a cultural and family aspect. So we came together and realised this beautiful and meaningful project. Our project unfolded in various locations across Berlin, including both outdoor settings and a studio. Our aim was to style Pia in a captivating fusion of traditional Bangladeshi pieces, such as sarees and jewellery, alongside pieces from local and international designers.
The settings included a typical German farm as well as some garden furniture to symbolise the country side, a classic Mercedes Benz in front of industrialised buildings that are very typical of German cities, as well as an elderly woman's apartment with German nostalgia as part of the interior. Through thoughtful styling and setting choices, we sought to capture the essence of Pia’s German-Bangladeshi identity and celebrate the harmonious coexistence of traditions and culture in our photos.
Pia's parents, Sharaf Ahmed and Mahjabin Ahmed, are an integral part of this project, and it celebrates the cultural affiliation that she shares with them and the two countries that she calls home; Germany and Bangladesh.
That is what the Affiliation Project is all about - exploring the beauty and complexity of being affiliated with two distinct cultures, and how it shapes one's sense of self.
Through this creative collaboration, we hope to shed light on the nuances of cultural identity and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity that exists within us all.
CREDITS:
Production: @madwomenproductions
Photography & Retouch: @marlen.stahlhuth
Videography/DOP & edit: @lillyolopo
Styling: @ellidrake
Styling Assistant: @heavywindow
Hair & Make-up: @rim_zemuye / @naomzz
Talent: @piddlzz