Visual noise

This work explores alternative visual narratives in humanitarian contexts. Traditional representations often fall into two extremes: the sensationalism of “poverty porn” or overly positive portrayals of donor impact. Both seek the “perfect” frame of distant suffering—images that evoke empathy but reinforce stereotypes and colonial dynamics.

Instead, this series turns toward quieter, less conventional visuals—those that resist objectification and reject aesthetic norms. What happens when we photograph someone from behind, obscure their face, or embrace blur and ambiguity? Can such images invite deeper reflection and open space for new, limitless narratives?

Inspired by Ismaïl Bahri’s film Foyer, this research engages with “silence” as a visual material—the unseen, the non-conforming. By removing sensory excess, these images invite viewers to become participants, attuned to subtleties and empowered to imagine beyond the frame.

Keywords: humanitarianism, photography, colonial gaze, visual storytelling, silence, performance