Jannat
"Jannat" delves into the historically entrenched practice of cotton picking in Uzbekistan, a colonial project, started by the Russian Empire, lasting more than a century. I aim to document this phenomenon before the imminent cessation of cotton production due to growing regional water scarcity. My personal history as an Uzbek woman intertwined with the broader narrative of cotton in Uzbekistan, a story marked by hard labor, environmental disasters, and socio-political shifts. I reflect on my mother's determination to keep me out of cotton fields in school through a process of photography, an opportunity to contact reality. Cotton production, once a mandated activity involving students and government employees, was a source of income and controversy. The ban on forced labor in 2018 marked a significant change, but the conditions of this labor still leave much to be desired - low payment, bad living conditions for migrant workers, poisonous carcinogenic pesticides. It is challenging to imagine someone in Uzbekistan not connected to cotton production due to its historical and economic significance. My photographic journey in the cotton fields reveals a complex tapestry of experiences. I encountered women, now the primary labor force in cotton picking, whose stories reflect on broader societal roles and challenges. Today, some women voluntarily pick cotton for social interaction, autonomy, and personal spending, despite their families' disapproval, while others are compelled to work in the fields out of necessity. My images capture their resilience and spirit amidst harsh realities, offering a romantic yet authentic account of life within this demanding labor system. My perspective goes beyond traditional reportage, exploring broader themes of colonialism, gender issues, and patriarchy. I have established relationships with people working in the fields, government officials, and activists over the past 3 years.