Dokanism/دكانيزم is a celebration of the cultural diversity of Doha and local shops as representations of unique cultural identity and style in the face of increasing globalization of retail. This is a series of photographs of young women who designed and modeled costumes based on local shops in Doha. The costumes represent the morphing and the customization that happened when personal identity and local environment collide.
Though our project includes still images, gifs and video, the theme “Design in Motion” for us applies thematically to the importance of contemporary cultural production in a time of rapid sociocultural change. Through the lens of young female identity, by capturing, remaking and participating in the dynamic cultural environment of the Gulf our project is a provocation for engagement and a question about preservation.
We are interested in sharing a unique view of the work of young women in the creative community in Doha and to spark relevant contemporary cultural ideas and discourse.