Qinza - Stretched on Carpets

“Stretch(ed)” is a series of figural paintings on machine and handwoven carpets. Ubiquitous in households across much of the Middle East, a Persian-style rug, whether utilitarian or high-end status symbol, is commonly located at the center of a family’s domestic and social lives. Elongated female figures painted on the carpets stretch to their limits to fulfill competing roles and expectations and alternately, as an act of empowerment, to push beyond both external limitations and their personal comfort zones. The figures expand to dominate the carpets' area, appearing and disappearing in an uneasy equilibrium with the background, suggesting the multitudes contained within an individual. Exploring contradiction and the culture clash between contemporary life and the reactionary traditional world, this series navigates around issues of feminism, cultural traditions, values and roles of women in the 21st century.

Veil of bullets Print on Aluminium 68x44 inch (AP & edition of 3) 2018
Black & Red 48x24 inch Acrylic on wool carpet 2017
Red & Black (Backside) 48x24 inch Acrylic on wool carpet 2017
Indigo Desire 72x48 inch Acrylic on Carpet
Indigo Desir (back side) 72x48 inch Acrylic on Carpet.
Grey road acrylic on carpet 48x24 inch 2017
Purple & Yellow Acrylic on carpet 65x42 inch 2017
The Sensible Edge 72x24 inch Acrylic on Carpet
Red&Yellow 72x48 inch acrylic on carpet 2017
Yellow diamond 86x63 inch acrylic on carpet 2017-18
Xenia acrylic on carpet 60x48 inch 2017
Red & black acrylic on rug 48x24 inch 2017
Blue diamond 86x63 inch acrylic on carpet 2017-18
Maroon diamond 62x48 inch Acrylic on carpet 2017
Brown hands with yellow Diamond 28x24 inch Wood sculpture and carpet 2017-2018