The "Borqo Project" by Almoutasim Almaskery is another conceptual photography series that explores Omani identity, tradition, and symbolism—specifically through the lens of the "borqo" , a traditional face covering worn by some women in the Gulf region.
key Themes:
- Cultural Significance: The borqo represents modesty, tradition, and cultural pride in many Omani communities—especially along the coast and in more traditional settings.
- Visual Language: Almaskery uses the borqo as a symbolic mask—one that hides, reveals, protects, and provokes.
- Gender & Identity: The Borqo series plays with themes of identity vs. perception, questioning what is seen versus what is known, and how gender and tradition interact visually.
- Aesthetic:
- Analog color Medium format mart , consistent with his analog style.
- Carefully composed portraits, often emphasizing the eyes, posture, and traditional dress.
- The borqo acts as a visual barrier and metaphor—both concealing and amplifying the subject’s presence.
Interpretation:
Almaskery doesn't present the borqo as either oppressive or empowering—instead, he offers a nuanced exploration, letting the viewer draw meaning through context, emotion, and symbolism.