Split by Seas

This series explores the notion of dual nationality. It explores being a woman, having immigrant parents and living by their cultural rules while growing up in a liberal Western country.



The project depicts the topics of first-generation experiences of identity issues and inner feelings of not belonging to either cultures. Through exploring the mix of embracing and denying cultural rules, the children of immigrants create their own identity in self-reflection.

These are images taken in Iraq projected back onto the photographer's western alter ego's.



“All these alter egos I possess represent how I am more than just one.

I am not just one culture. I am not fully either cultures.

Instead, I am many.

I am what I enjoy. I am what I choose to be.

It’s the choice of being free to be yourself.” - Sk8r Mariam