Rania Matar: A Girl and Her Room

Rania Matar photographed teenage girls, in their bedrooms, from two seemingly disparate worlds: the United States and the Middle East. These two worlds are ones familiar to Matar, who was born in Lebanon and moved to the United States where she now lives and works. 

With each photograph, Matar offers an intimate glimpse into each girl’s life, perspective, and identity. Whether the rooms are cluttered or spartan, the girls all possess something in common. In the words of the artist: “I became fascinated with the similar issues girls at that age face, regardless of culture, religion and background, as they learn to deal with all the pressures that arise as they become conscious and aware of the surrounding world wherever this may be.”

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.