No doubt you remember Fatima's story. She wrote to say she was moved by my readers' supportive comments. We began corresponding and she kindly agreed to show some of her beautiful photos on Paris Parfait.
Fatima's plight is one with which all too many women can identify, no matter where they call home. Happily, Fatima's story has a positive outcome. Expressing herself through photography helped Fatima find her way out of depression and despair. She had the great courage to leave her family in Abu Dhabi, after they sadly chose so-called "honor" over truth and justice. Fatima has forged a new life in the United States, where she is surrounded with good friends, art and photography.
I told Fatima that nothing I could write could do justice to her photos, so powerful in their stark simplicity.
All photos © Fatima and may not be used or reproduced in any manner.
Dear Fatima,
I am so deeply moved by your beautiful photos and so happy that I was able to see them. Thank you for sharing your unique vision of the world with us.
Wishing you love, strength, hope and peace.
Posted by: brenda walton | 06 May 2009 at 07:40
I have been waiting for special serious time, to come to your blog, so I could savor every moment.
All weekend while away from my computer, I knew that I wanted to come read about Fatima. She was in my thoughts constantly.
Then, I come here, and her photos send a chill. So powerful and beautiful. There really are no words for Fatima's photos. They speak centuries and lifetimes, stories and emotions, feelings pour out.
I have no words. But if I had to choose a few, "Amazing and touching" are two of them.
xoxo
beautiful powerful intense - also
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 21 April 2009 at 17:42
Fatima, thanks for sharing your art and beauty !
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 21 April 2009 at 12:44
absolutely incredible ... i have admired Fatima's work for so long and am so glad she is finally getting some recognition!!
Posted by: charlie | 21 April 2009 at 05:56
amazing. incredible. stunning.
Posted by: elizabeth | 20 April 2009 at 17:44
Fatima, your work is incredible! I look at these photographs and my heart beats faster due to the beauty. I feel your passion and strength through your lens. You are an inspiration to me. I am so happy that your photographs are here for us to see.
Peace
Posted by: Christina | 20 April 2009 at 15:47
Fatima, your photographs are beautiful. I love the second photograph, the portrait (self-portrait?). Are you showing your artwork in galleries in the U.S.?
Posted by: susanna's sketchbook | 20 April 2009 at 05:57
these are beautiful photos, Fatima!
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | 19 April 2009 at 14:06
SImply wonderful! Stunning Fatima!!
Posted by: My Melange | 19 April 2009 at 04:23
Wow, what an amazing photo's. They really capture something deeper than the normal eye can see.
And the story of Fatima is so touching. She must be a very strong woman and I truly hope she will be living her own life from now on.
I'm convinced we will see more of her and her photo's. Good luck!
Posted by: Irene | 18 April 2009 at 11:22
Astounding photos. There is a a story behind every one of them. They are not just photos; they are art.
Posted by: Kay | 18 April 2009 at 08:37
I see what you mean, Tara. These are beautiful images. xo
Posted by: Di | 18 April 2009 at 07:59
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and your inspiring lifestory with us, Fatima - and thank you, Tara for shining the light on Fatima's work and story, enlightening us all a bit more. I hope and pray that someday such stories of suppressive tyranny and abuse towards women everywhere, will become nothing more than a part of ancient history...
Posted by: tinker | 18 April 2009 at 01:38
So happy to hear this. Such a brave woman. Thank you for sharing your story with us Fatima. You are doing so much good for women all around the world who hear your story. I wish you much happiness. The photographs are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you.
Posted by: Rosa | 18 April 2009 at 01:02
The images are so brave and beautiful. Thank u for sharing them with us.
Posted by: Sølvi | 17 April 2009 at 23:16
The "eyes" have it for me. I am drawn to those eyes. Fatima has a vision that one can only dream of.
Like Maddie asked, is there a website or blog that she keeps?
I just arrived home an hour ago. I shall miss your beautiful city, Tara.
Posted by: karen cole | 17 April 2009 at 22:45
Tara - thank you so much for convincing Fatima to share her photos here. Fatima you are an extraordinary woman and photographer, I love all these images - they are so different, so beautiful and expressive in there own way. Thank you for sharing - please share more!
x
Posted by: Marianne | 17 April 2009 at 22:28
Very powerful photos!
Posted by: Philip | 17 April 2009 at 20:44
First of all, when I saw the opening (color) shot -- it took my breath away; the stark contract, the rich gold and black, the shapes of the arches. Oh, amazing.
And then to see the portraits -- they are indeed powerful as others have said, and so very expressive. Profound in their simplicity and speaking volumes. Fatima has a great gift and talent, one which I'm glad she has discovered and also one I hope we'll see more of here -- or perhaps sometime on her own blog. Her story is powerful. So is her work.
Posted by: jeanie | 17 April 2009 at 20:37
Dear Fatima
Your images are so powerful and beautiful. They make me feel, as a Western woman, ashamed for even thinking we are not equals here. You are a very brave person and A PERSON is what you CAN now be. I am not surprised that Tara is showing your images here as I am sure you have come to realise, like myself, that she is a TRUE friend and if the world contained more peope like Tara it would be a much better place.
Good Luck to you in your new life.
Di
xo
Posted by: Di Overton | 17 April 2009 at 18:47
Oh, Tara. Thank you again for sharing Fatima's story with us.
Fatima,
Your talent as a photographer is astounding. Your images are both relevant, immediate, and timeless. The beauty of them is awe inspiring. Knowing the story behind the images makes them more powerful still. I applaud you for your courage and wish you peace and love as you make a new life for yourself. May each of your days be blessed. And free.
Posted by: Relyn | 17 April 2009 at 18:12
Art is the salvation for many of us ... thank you for sharing your salvation with us Fatima.
These images are powerful statements of truth and beauty.
Peace,
JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ JP/deb | 17 April 2009 at 17:57
Fatima, your photography is very powerful and also reflect your tremendous courage. May you continue on your brilliant path. Inshallah!
Posted by: Colette | 17 April 2009 at 17:54
I am in awe!!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 17 April 2009 at 17:53
I love the truth behind her images. She is by far the most talented photographer I've seen in a long time. I get a sense that she is very true to herself...and she has finally found her honour where it lies within all of us, the heart. So glad she found the courage to make the changes her life required. It is truely an inspiration. Thanks for sharing her images with us Tara.
xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 17 April 2009 at 17:50
Absolutely beautiful photography. The blazing yellow in the first one is especially striking. A coffee table book with these images would be a treasure. You go, Fatima!
Posted by: RD | 17 April 2009 at 17:47
Fatima,
Your photographs are so very powerful in their simple direct way. I wish you all the best and success. It must be lonely at times in this country but I hope you are finding outstretched arms to embrace you and your talent.
thank you Tara for sharing this beautiful images.
x...x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 17 April 2009 at 16:53
These photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing them.
Posted by: bella | 17 April 2009 at 16:40
Wow. Such introspective and compelling images. Very interesting work and a very interesting story. Best of luck to you, Fatima.
Posted by: ally bean | 17 April 2009 at 16:19
This work is so wonderful and powerful. Fatima, if you read this, know that you are a talented photographer and that many wish you the best always.
Posted by: Helen | 17 April 2009 at 16:06
Thank you Fatima,
for your willingness to share.
Your work is powerfully stirring and moving.
I am so glad you are free now to be all the woman you were meant to be,
also grateful that you are surround by your family of friends
to include all of us here!
Thank you Tara for sharing Fatima's photography here.
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 17 April 2009 at 15:58
I cannot but be even more inspired now seeing Fatima's amazing photography. Her story, her bravery, her artistic eye... I am so relieved and happy that she has found her way out of danger and now can be the woman and artist she was born to be.
Posted by: tangobaby | 17 April 2009 at 15:55
tara
Fatima's work is profoundly stunning ~ she has a rare and
beautifully observant eye
does she sell her work? i am in love with that
drinkable ambered work...
can we seee more of Fatima's work anywhere?
does she have a website?
Posted by: maddie | 17 April 2009 at 15:47
Beautiful photographs and an inspiring story. I wish you well, Fatima.
Posted by: Carolien van der Gaag | 17 April 2009 at 15:36
These are some of the most stunning photographs I've ever seen. I am especially drawn to the praying hands - the negative space in it is compelling and appropriate. Fatima is a brave woman. I wish her all good things and want to hear about a photo exhibit sometime! Blessing on you, Fatima, and on you Tara for sharing her vision with us.
Posted by: Jane Rosemont | 17 April 2009 at 15:15
these are incredible photographs, your bravery shines through. i hope you will keep using your talents to take such pictures and share your story. and i hope you continue to find happiness in your new life in the US.
Posted by: julochka | 17 April 2009 at 15:09
Stunning, arresting, powerful photographs, Fatima! Thank you very much for sharing your talents with the world. I wish you the very best in your continued healing. Please remember that you have every right to have a beautiful life.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 17 April 2009 at 14:46