MOTHER STONE
A sculptural installation made with Muslim veils, focused on the veil as an object of identity affirmation, balancing recognition and integration.
The veil sparks intense debate in Western society and is predominantly perceived as a symbol of oppression, submission, and lack of choice. In common perception, women who wear the veil do so because they are forced by their families, their men, or a tradition that does not allow them to choose freely.
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Certainly, this idea is real and represents a plausible condition for many women living in Europe and undoubtedly for those in fundamentalist countries. However, it is essential to recognize another reality, which, though perhaps still challenging to conceive, is increasingly rooted among Muslim women living in Europe: the veil is worn as a free choice, in a state of absolute free will.
Thus, countering a contemporary popular notion of coercion, the veil reemerges as a symbol of both respect and protection, of social and religious identity. It becomes a voluntary and sincere choice by women, serving as an emblem of their freedom to determine their path, their strength, and their determination to fight against all forms of discrimination and to pursue their own emancipation.