Abstract of the accomplished photographic work
New Swiss Views (CH, 2021-2022) is a photographic series that explores Switzerland’s landscapes through the interiors of local mosques. With over forty images, it offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of architecture, landscape, and cultural identity within Switzerland’s Muslim community. The project was created during two road trips across the country, where Marwan Bassiouni sought mosques with windows framing views of the surrounding landscapes. The series highlights Swiss Islamic spaces often overlooked, providing an alternative to stereotypical portrayals of the Muslim community. It also sheds light on a unique form of industrial, modest Islamic architecture found on the outskirts of cities. As part of the New Western Views project, New Swiss Views has been exhibited as large-scale photographs and published as a monographic book. The work aims to offer a modest contribution to contemporary photography, combining social commentary, fine art, and documentary storytelling.
Description of the project you intend to pursue through the Prize
I propose an Italian chapter of my New Western Views series, focusing on landscapes from within mosques in cities like Milan, Venice, Udine, Bologna, and Rome—home to Italy’s largest Muslim communities. The project offers a unique perspective on the Italian landscape through the eyes of the Muslim community, questioning stereotypes and highlighting their role in contemporary Italian society. Through a dialogue between architecture, interior, and exterior spaces, I aim to spark reflection on coexistence, cultural identity, and perception.
The exhibition will feature both large-scale and smaller photographs, created in the same style as my previous work. Composition, light, and atmosphere will play key roles in offering an empathetic visual experience and revealing uniquely Italian patterns. The accompanying book will immerse viewers in the interiors of Italian mosques, while a selected writer will provide historical context, inviting reflection on social and cultural coexistence.