9 Models, Different Stories – Letters of The Unheard.
Curated By Nicolette Alexandra Brito-Cruz Letters of the Unheard is a literary and visual photography project where models pour their hearts into heartfelt letters to their past selves, recounting their path of growth and embracing their identities. The transformative photoshoots capture the raw, emotional moments described in their letters, inviting you to witness the incredible power of self-reflection and self-love. Nine models from diverse regions of the world have contributed to bringing this project to life, generously sharing their personal stories with us and with you. Delve into the captivating narratives of these nine creative and captivating individuals. Model 1 – Taleha Whyte, Jamaican. Leaving my country of birth at two years old was what I perceived as one of the only experiences that connected me to both of my parental roots while being raised by a single mother in a post-colonial power country. Leaving Jamaica is my origin story not because it was the country I was born in, but because I unconsciously excluded it from my identity growing up. Assimilating into the American culture often forces first-generation children like me to embrace a history/ culture non-congruent to that which we are. Consequently, I ended up adapting an identity that was embarrassed to embrace my tribal culture and ancestral history. In more relatable terms I became a replica of the oppressing powers placed upon my country and people. Pulling from my indigenous background when would enhance the hyper-individualistic culture of America that was instilled in me. Redirecting my life to Rome Italy to attend John Cabot changed my entire perspective on embracing my Jamaican background. Now, not only am I surrounded by global students from over seventy different countries, but we get to work collectively harnessing our individual experiences to better understand one another. While this may be perceived as normal or expected by most for someone like me it’s a miracle. Once leaving the United States the contradictions about assimilation and the distinctions surrounding our perception were so evident, that it acted as a catalyst to appreciate and embrace my Caribbean culture. Reclaiming my culture also acted as a catalyst for my creative journey as well, being that John Cabot is a liberal Arts university and Rome is also a post-colonial power country. The irony of leaving one colonial country only to reclaim my indigenous identity in another led to several painful self-reflective moments. Pain which I have now transmuted into power, public speaking, and progress for both me and my people. Discover more about Taleha Whyte here Model 2 – Janane Ashraf Saad Hassaan, Egyptian. Long Live the Egyptian Woman Ya baba, I could address this to the white boy who doesn’t like political art I could address this to the white lady who wants to liberate us with bikinis I address it instead to you, daughter, sister – woman. Do you know where you come from? Do you know who you come from? They teach you about Elizabeth and Napoleon, They teach you, maybe even, about Cleopatra, But do you know? Do you know Hoda Shaarawi and Doria Shafik? Do you know, simply, the stories of your grandmother? Do you know the peace of sipping on shay bel ne3ne3, and closing your eyes to the voice of Um Kulthoum? They claim you are oppressed for the lack of skin they can lay their eyes on, but call you savage when you dance in the ways most natural to you. They say, sorceress, because they cannot fathom a body so free. Do you know Samia Gamal and Shafiqa Al Qibtiyya? You need not look far to find your power, The blood of yours runs through our soil, as the Nile runs through your veins. Ya amar, you are magic, you are liberty personified. Do you know lady liberty? The Falah7a. Discover more about Janane Ashraf Saad Hassaan here Model 3 – Skyla Bigale Priya Shangazi Ntsikilelo Margo Katenga, Malawian and South African. Warm Heart of Africa to the World Liberating. Welcoming. Enlightening. Peaceful. These are words that I associate with being a citizen of the world. It means that I create a home and a safe space within myself, without the fear of being rejected and neglected. There is a certain intimacy and tenderness that comes with recognizing your inability to be confined to a certain place and your ability to adapt. Instead of being depressing, embarrassing, and isolating, it allows me to be versatile and exposed, to take space without infringing on others. Citizen of the World is about creating opportunities for me to learn about other cultures, but also share my roots. It means I get to wear my roots on my sleeves, while I interact with places that are not my own. Creating opportunities for chintejes, Chichewa, and I Skyla Shangazi Bigale Priya Nstikilelo Geneva Margo Katenga to be welcomed and at home no matter where I go. Discover more about Skyla Bigale Priya Shangazi Ntsikilelo Margo Katenga here Model 4 – Natasha Kalondu Kisila, Kenyan. This white world will never love me This white world will never love me This white world will never love me, for simply existing. I must sit and allow a white men dictate what I “should” be. Catering to each of them. My hair is too short, he swiftly swayed his hand to reference what a woman’s hair should look like. A small brunette woman, loose curls, past her shoulders. Now, how do I help this situation? This body I was born into, one that I have grown to love. Nothing about who I am has the power to trigger insecurity. So we stare at one another, he finally remembers he’s in the middle of providing a service. But that’s only after he has made sure everyone in the vicinity has heard his criticism, he got some laughs. I was the loudest; I just wanted it to be over. The same sentiment rises as my mother and I stand hand-in-hand at an Italian airport. They must