Last Updated on 10/22/2024 by Chris Gampat
Inclusivity is one of the most significant aspects of reforming any art form, which incorporates photography, too. As the Magnum Square Print Sale is back with another exciting edition, it was quite heartwarming to see the work of Tunisian photographer Zied Ben Romdhane alongside other photography luminaries. A World Press Photo winner, Zied has been instrumental in shaping the narrative around the 2011 Tunisian revolution, which catalyzed the Arab Spring. Today, we see his unique interpretation of what Eden means to him, and trust us when we say it will melt your insides.
The lead image is by Zied Ben Romdhane and is used with permission. This photo is available for purchase as part of the current Magnum Square Print Sale that ends on October 27, 2024.
Speaking about his image, Zied Ben Romdhane told us:
For me, this photo evokes the return to my homeland. Whenever I distance myself from the misfortunes that my country inflicts upon me, I always end up returning. Just as Adam was expelled from paradise, I wonder if he feels the same upon his return. There is something more powerful than pain, something that draws us back to our roots. We leave in search of a new breath, but it is in this return that we rediscover a part of ourselves, lost among the memories.
Zied Ben Romdhane
Romdhane’s photographs, which are all black and white, often address the intersection of politics, culture, and society. However, what makes his documentary approach different is how he creates poetic images, often evoking intense emotions in the viewer. Romdhane’s recent work focused on the multigenerational impact of the Arab Spring, and that, in some ways, could also be viewed in his image for the print sale.
The first thing that strikes you is the love, care, warmth, and security that one feels by looking at his image of two people in an endless embrace. There is a sense of vulnerability, of letting go of the world’s troubles, being hugged by an individual, and sharing their warmness. The person who faces the camera is unaware of Zied Ben Romdhane’s presence, or if they were, they didn’t really care. The black and white adds flavor to the image, which would otherwise be bland if it were in color. Similarly, if the image was missing the glow of the light, it would have fallen flat.
At the same time, the ‘be brave’ tattoo on the neck of the second individual adds a layer of narrative to the image. The tattoo could be interpreted in many ways, especially in the context of Eden. Perhaps, when Adam and Eve reunited after a century, they, too, would have hugged each other, perhaps, sobbed for their misfortunes. For all we know, Adam’s first words to Eve after their long separation would have been, “be brave.”
Then, there is the evil eye pendant, making the image even more interesting. The pendant is very prominent in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and the Balkans and is used to drive away evil or bad energy. One could interpret it as Eve using the pendant to survive alone in all those decades on Earth or as a means to ensure she never loses Adam again.
Overall, this photograph of the embrace reminds us that the human bond is the most powerful sentiment in the world. And without one another’s support, we will likely lose our way.