by Guest Contributor, Nasma Aljizawi

In a world that frequently seeks to confine identity into neat, pre-defined categories, art can become the most potent tool for reclaiming space.

The Horizon is Hers is more than a fine art photography series; it is a personal exploration of identity, belonging and perception. Conceived and photographed by equine fine art photographer Nasma Aljizawi, with project development led by Hani Younes, this series challenges narrow perceptions, invites viewers to look beyond assumptions surrounding veiled Muslim women, and explores what it truly means to belong.

At the heart of The Horizon is Hers is the unspoken dialogue between woman and horse. Shot against the atmospheric backdrop of Sunnyside Livery in Bedfordshire, the project pairs athlete models Rayahan Sherlala and Noori Husain with model horses provided by Lucinda Huzzey.

Across cultures and throughout history, horses have symbolised power, freedom and movement. In this series, that power is neither mastered nor subdued. It is shared.

By integrating high-fashion tailoring from Jalabeeb, the compositions create a stark, beautiful contrast. The gentle movement of silk and veil against raw earth and muscle becomes a study in grace and defiance.

The Horizon is Hers is an invitation to pause. To look beyond first impressions, question assumptions and recognise that belonging is not always defined by place.

Photographer, Nasma Alijzawi shared with MWN Hub how being forced to leave her home country deepened her connection with horses and explains why this exhibition is especially meaningful for her. 

"Growing up in Syria, horses were part of my life long before I ever picked up a camera. When I was forced to leave my home and rebuild my life in the UK, they became far more than a childhood passion. They became a place of familiarity in an unfamiliar world. A source of comfort, stability and quiet resilience during a time of profound change.

As both a professional rider and photographer, I came to realise that horses had become the visual language of my work. They are not simply the subjects I photograph, but the vocabulary through which I explore ideas of identity, belonging, resilience and human connection. Every project begins with people; the horse simply becomes the bridge that allows those stories to unfold.

The Horizon is Hers grew out of these lived experiences of navigating identity, displacement and belonging. Rather than treating home as a fixed place on a map, the series asks whether home can also exist in relationships, memory and the spaces where we feel most understood. In these photographs, the horizon becomes more than a distant landscape, it becomes a symbol of possibility, resilience and the freedom to define our own sense of belonging.

Ultimately, The Horizon is Hers is an invitation to pause. To look beyond first impressions, question assumptions and recognise that belonging is not always defined by place, but by the relationships, memories and identities we carry with us."

The Other Refuge is on display at Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool, until 2 August 2026 as part of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival.

To explore the full series, visit nasmaaljizawi.co.uk/the-horizon-is-hers. You can explore more of my work, including behind-the-scenes stories and ongoing photography projects, on Instagram: @nasma.equinephotography.