Ashrah Suudy

Hi, my name is Ashrah Suudy and I’m a freelance photographer, student and creative living in Cardiff. My photographic series ‘East in Colour’ was a series dedicated to my Somali Culture. A series that truly embodies my identity, a narrative I am proud to showcase. The focal point of ‘East in Colour’ was focussed on the ‘Dirac’ a Somali dress worn by women on special occasions such as Eid and Weddings. Completing this series, allowed me to delve deeper into my roots and signified how my culture plays a strong role in my identity, the importance of showcasing my unapologetic self, Proudly!

Using photography as a medium to showcase these garments and my culture in front and behind the lens is something, I am deeply proud of. The impact this series has had to some and myself has been an eye-opener, the push to creating a space where my community, specifically young Black, Muslim girls can see themselves reflected in my images. I hope to continue to grow with the same purpose in creating pieces that truly resonate with people and to put pressure on the emphasis on creating authentic creative expressions of my community. I’m excited to share a short film adaption of ‘East in Colour’ titled ‘In a Room Full of Sisters’ has been commissioned by BBC Arts, BBC Wales, Ffilm Cymru and the Art Council of Wales which I can’t wait for people to see once completed.

Read issue 3 here.
Follow Ashrah on Instagram here and here.