Student of Aisha Om el Mo’minin School for Girls. School courtyard, Saida, Lebanon, 1948-49. Hashem el Madani 2007

Curator: This compelling black and white photograph, titled "Student of Aisha Om el Mo’minin School for Girls. School courtyard, Saida, Lebanon, 1948-49," was taken by Hashem el Madani and later revisited by Akram Zaatari. Editor: It feels incredibly intimate. The girl's gaze is direct, almost challenging. There's a weight to it, a sense of quiet determination. Curator: It's important to remember the context. Madani's studio documented everyday life, playing a crucial role in forming Saida's visual memory, and Zaatari's re-presentation brings questions of archives and representation. This image invites us to consider the role of women's education in post-colonial Lebanon. Editor: Absolutely, and the backdrop—the stark wall with a simple tap—amplifies the socio-political landscape. It underscores the limited resources yet speaks volumes about resilience and the pursuit of knowledge. Curator: Indeed, these photographs, often used for identification or documentation, took on new meaning through re-examination, sparking dialogue around identity, agency, and historical narrative. Editor: This image reminds us that photography is never neutral. It always embodies a specific point of view, revealing and concealing in equal measure. Curator: Precisely. The image offers an invitation to question the power dynamics inherent in image-making and interpretation.