Sometimes I think it is important to try and represent oneself, being a photographer I am constantly looking at other people and places, different cultures and beliefs, and often I am representing the ‘other’ as opposed to the ‘self.’ My surroundings may be shown in this work with more subtlety than in others, but these are the things that have been drawn to my attention, illuminated among a whole hybrid of interesting objects, noises and smells. These are the everyday things, not incredible, just ordinary as I am ordinary in many ways and extraordinary in others just like the rest of humanity that make up the world, but never forgetting how small I am and how privileged to be able to live a life where I can explore, create, challenge and discover, trying to keep my childlike sense of curiosity.

This is why I was so excited to become a part of the exhibition Self Portrait; a show for Bethlehem, a show for peace. At last I felt I could do something even though it was a small way, in my own way, I could help make a statement, show solidarity with the people who are suffering so greatly in an unfair and unjust world. Self-Portrait; a show for Bethlehem, was curated by Agricole De Cologne; the independent curator and director of New media art project network. The exhibition was initiated on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the twin cities of Cologne-Germany and Bethlehem-Palestine, presented at the Al Kahf Gallery 06-30 July 2006 as the first of numerous venues. Bethlehem has always been a symbol of peace through its relevance in three world religions, however as a result of conflict it has now disappeared behind a huge wall.

By showing personality through our self-portraits 52 artists from around the world symbolically overcame that wall and the conflict in the Middle East. Through this message of solidarity the show is promoting the idea of a free and independent culture without borders, the use of new media represents further a symbol for a new era for solving conflicts via communication. By looking at ‘me’ I actually found that I was looking at ‘others’ joining a message, feeling a part of something, and for a moment not feeling as completely helpless, we weren’t marching through the streets and holding banners but we were marching through our art.