Oriental for a Day

In so-called Oriental photo shoots, women stage themselves to convey an image of opulence, eroticism, mysticism, etc. After a brief review the visual representation Orient in ethnographic photographs, tourist imagery, and art, article turns scene staged photography, which Other – even if only imagined is experienced on one’s own body contrast other forms representation. In-depth interviews with amateur models who describe either as “German” or “Oriental” identify motivations for these stagings, among them expression femininity, nostalgia, longing spirituality. These aspects can be condensed into two areas conflict: negotiation sexuality, woman seems one hand untamed, oppressed, compensation shortcomings cultural context, nevertheless appears without alternative real life. Finally, evaluation phenomenon will discussed what extent embodiment entails beyond mere fascination it matter creativity appropriation.