In conversation with Pepa Hristová

The much-discussed book by Bulgarian photographer Pepa Hristotvá (born 1977) is now on the market. In this unusual publication, Hristotvá portrays the "Sworn Virgins" of North Albania - women who have taken an oath of life-long virginity in order to fulfil the roles - and gain the status - of men. They work, dress and act as men - not in a sexual, but solely in a social sense. Over time, the women adapt to their roles to such an extent that they are naturally assumed to be men by anyone outside of their family.

?Sensitive portraits
Pepa Hristová repeatedly travelled to Albania over the course of several years. The trust she was able to build with her subjects is reflected in the great sensitivity of her approach. Talking with photography historian Ulrich Rüter, Hristová will discuss not only the project, but also the concept of creating a photo book: "Sworn Virgins" is an extraordinary book not just in subject matter, but also in terms of its design.??

For further information visit Deichtorhallen, Freundeskreis, Pepa Hristova and Artbooks Heidelberg