Struggling With Health Issues, She Directed Her Lens Toward Unyielding Females Battling for Their Existence
Award-Winning Photography Series "Be" Highlights Women's Resilience Against Illness
In a powerful display of resilience and courage, Kazakh photographer Anel Bazylova's project "Be" shines a light on women living with cancer and rare genetic conditions, challenging societal stigma and providing a platform for their stories to be heard.
The series, which gained international recognition after being selected from over 419,000 entries in the Sony World Photography Awards, was exhibited at London's Somerset House[1][3].
The Inspiration Behind "Be"
Bazylova's inspiration for the series stems from her prior work with mothers of children with special needs and her own struggles with postpartum depression. This personal connection drove her to create supportive and therapeutic photographic projects, eventually leading to "Be," which aims to empower women facing serious health challenges by sharing their stories and instilling hope[1].
Empowering Women, Challenging Stigma
The impact of "Be" lies in its ability to amplify often overlooked narratives of women fighting illness, encouraging them not to isolate themselves and to find courage in their journeys. Bazylova emphasizes that the portraits are not just images but stories meant to draw public attention and foster support for these women[1].
Participants' Stories
One of the participants in the "Be" project, Dinara Isa, who lived with Gorham's disease, a rare genetic disorder, had just started her first round of chemotherapy when Bazylova met her. Another participant, Dina from Almaty, shared her cancer journey on social media and is now in remission, speaking in podcasts and writing about cancer to help others[1].
Emotional Journey for Bazylova
The sessions for the "Be" project are emotionally challenging for Bazylova, as she carries the stories of her participants with her long after the photographs are taken. During these sessions, she often cried with her participants and felt their emotions[1].
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the emotional toll, Bazylova is determined to continue her work. Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for the "Be" project, but Bazylova recently won an Open Call Art competition, allowing her to organize a solo exhibition[1].
Future Projects
Bazylova plans to feature a child with Down syndrome and people with albinism in her next project. Her previous project, titled "The Silence of Beauty," was featured in Harper's Bazaar and highlighted a girl who is a champion swimmer with hearing loss[1].
In conclusion, "Be" is both a personal and societal statement through photography, fostering visibility, empathy, and dialogue around women's health and rare diseases in Kazakhstan and beyond[1][3].
[1] BBC News Kazakhstan [3] Anel Bazylova's official website
- The "Be" project, initially inspired by Bazylova's work with mothers of children with special needs and her own struggles with postpartum depression, aims to empower women facing serious health challenges like cancer and rare genetic conditions, providing a platform for their stories to be heard and instilling hope.
- The participants of the "Be" project share diverse health experiences, such as Dinara Isa, who lived with Gorham's disease and shared her story amidst her first round of chemotherapy, and Dina from Almaty, who bravely chronicled her cancer journey on social media and is now in remission, using her experience to help others.
- Recognizing the significance of the "Be" project, Bazylova not only captures powerful and emotive images but also shares women's stories to draw public attention and foster support for those living with medical conditions, normalizing conversations around women's health, mental health, and health and wellness.
