In a world increasingly obsessed with labels and definitions, identity remains a complex and ever-evolving conversation. Particularly for those from beautiful multicultural backgrounds, the question of identity is of significant importance in their lives. 'The Identity Potluck' is a recurring photoseries by creative studio Two Odd that delves into this precise conversation. The series works with creatives from multicultural heritages or backgrounds in order to explore how they find their place at the table.
'The Identity Potluck' spotlights how these creatives understand representation through the lens of food, a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. Each edition features a different creative showcasing elements native to their heritage and capturing how these elements influence their artistic expression as well as their reclaimed sense of self.
The inaugural creative for this series is Fathima Mehreen, a Malayali-Muslim creative producer and photographer currently based in Dubai. The narrative captures Fathima's story while showcasing the richness inherent in multicultural identities.
The centrepiece of the photoseries is a table covered with banana leaves and laden with elements that speak of Fathima's identity as a South Asian woman, specifically of Keralite heritage. Vibrant flowers, traditional beef fry with rice, coconuts, a pile of banana chips, and gold jewellery evoke memories of her upbringing, but Fathima's story extends far beyond the borders of Kerala. As a South Asian woman living in the Middle East, she grapples with finding a balance between the cultures she has adopted. This struggle is visually depicted with the steel table legs adorned with flowers and sand - a metaphor for the unique juxtaposition that makes up her cultural identity. We even see hints of her current life in the Middle East through dates, figs and an array of spices.
Fathima recalls the generalisations and stereotypes about her and her culture and talks about they how they personally affected her. The morals and values she was raised with are an integral part of her trying to reclaim her identity and personality. Fashion played an essential role in her life, as she embraced the traditional clothes, prints, textures and jewellery she once refused to wear. Seeing a lack of representation of her culture in the Middle East made her grow more fond of it as she realised the sentiments and memories attached to it.
Through this visual exploration of culinary and cultural touchstones, the Identity Potluck series promises to be a fascinating journey into the hearts and minds of multicultural creatives. Each edition will be a unique tapestry woven from personal narratives, heritage, and the delicious language of food.
You can read the article and view the series in full here.
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