For this episode of Work in Progress I talked with Shaista Chishty. We cover a great range of topics - from feminism and ageing, to “falling in hate” with photography, to islamophobia and Orientalism, to rejecting toxic productivity culture and finding a working rhythm that makes sense for your type of brain - and moving to a deserted island.
There’s some swearing in this episode, so maybe don’t listen around small children.
Shaista is a photographer, visual artist and PhD researcher interested in the relationship between visual histories and the present, particularly in relation to the (mis)representations of Muslims in Britain.
Shaista began her career working as a photojournalist collaborating with organisations such as UN Women, CARE International and Islamic Relief. Her work has been published and exhibited internationally, and she has been the recipient of awards for this work. However, due to concerns about the problematic nature of the visual culture surrounding development work, Shaista embarked on an MA in Documentary Photography to learn how I could address these concerns. This led to a transformation in her practice.
Shaista is currently undertaking a practice-based PhD at Cardiff University and is a recipient of a prestigious Jameel Scholarship. Shaista’s research explores the afterlives of historical and Orientalist imagery, and the impact they have on Muslim women in Britain.
Connect with Shaista on Instagram.
A transcript for this episode - available above - is automatically generated and unedited.
This episode is free to listen. It takes hours to research, record and edit a podcast episode, so if you’re able, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to Work in Progress, for a price of one latte a month, so that this podcast remains free - and ad-free.
Consider backing my Kickstarter project to print Beauty Hunting, an intimate and introspective exploration of the cycles of healing, of finding beauty in the unlikely places, rediscovering traces of myself that got lost along the way, and tending to the hidden wounds we all carry. Pre-order the book today - or contribute a small amount because you believe in it.
03: Shaista Chishty