Tyler Sharp
Old Man Pakistan | Hindu Indian Women
In Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, there are endless differences in cultures and ethnicities that vary drastically over short distances, sometimes in mere feet. The immediate division that happens when crossing country or province borders became an interest of mine, and this collection of images hints at the nuances of a very complex cultural landscape.
Meeting these Muslim men in rural Pakistan, I began to notice subtleties in ethnicity; the length and dye of beards, the weave and color of fabrics, and the pigment and texture of skin. Most living hard, agricultural lives, I could see the care and worry in their eyes, the tension in their shoulders, and the ease or lack of smile lines.
Pictures cannot be taken there, but rather, must be given. A sensitivity and grace is required to negotiate the customs and protocols of an Islamic society, as offenses can be met with swift and brutal retribution.
A stone’s throw over a border, gender taboos and dress codes slacken for women in India. Where in Pakistan they are shrouded, hidden, and even persecuted, Hindu women are dressed in celebration of life and beauty, with rich and colorful saris, smooth dark skin, and vibrant smiles. The very air you breathe seems lighter, more vibrant, and peaceful.
These women were warm, receptive, and free of the fear that looms in much of Pakistan. This leeway is embodied in the intricate jewelry, exotic eye makeup, and brilliantly colored cloths they adorn themselves in.
The cultural rift and rivalry between these once united countries is apparent in this visual comparison of culture, gender, and religious edicts.
