Maimouna Guerresi (left) and Mudra no.1, 2011 Mamouna Guerresi / TASVEER (Right)

Italian photographer, video artist and sculptor Maimouna Guerresi explores the feminine spirituality through her veiled figures, which in turn, represent the greater Indian spirituality. We catch up with her to know what inspires her.

What is the idea behind Inner Space? In the work for the 'Inner Space' exhibition, some figures do not have a precise religious identity, they could be Muslims or from any other religion. I am attracted to cultural hybridisation, contamination, and religious syncretism. I am more interested in the similarities rather than the differences between religions and traditional cultures, in an attempt to find a common thread that links them and provides the most value for each. As an artist, I am curious and I try to remain as objective as possible.

What made you select India as a culture or society to work with? My work on the subject of India is a continuation of my research regarding the mystic body. As such, much of this series is in fact an extension of my ideas on Giant Spirits, where I began working with Muslim African characters. Through my work, I try to interpret my visions and my imagination in a way that also relates to the real world. Mine is a mystic language, not a report or a chronicle, even though my subjects connect to themes of hard reality such as different religions and different cultures. What interests me most is to unarm peoples fears of the unknown, of that which is different, such things, I believe, are the main causes of both personal and social conflicts.

The images I present are timeless, rigorous, and classic. They do not depict ancient India or a new India in constant development. They are inner representations of a greater Indian spirituality. I hope my work is interpreted in the ecumenical spirit with which it was produced, that is, as a collection of values, cultures and religions coexisting within the Indian population, and that it evokes reflection beyond aesthetic pleasure.

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Art: Exploring feminine spirituality