Calligraphy Circles
Being Southwest Asian is almost synonymous for being a migrant. Movement, driven by violence, hunger or poverty has defined the fate of at least three generations in my family. This cycle of being uprooted, moving, settling and then moving again defines the rhythm of my work; circles of poured paint that fatefully interact forming new beginnings, colors of the sun, the moon, hope and fear; colors of survival, and the dawning of new hope; colors that mix light with darkness, fire with rebirth, oil with water, sunshine with darkness. My circles of color speak in the language of my people; Arabic words mirroring the journey of their experience and the shades of their shifting identities.
Al Amal (hope) Hope is a recurring theme in my art and in my life. I believe that hope is at the source of anything and everything that drives us forward as a human race. It renews our survival instincts and inspires us to love, to believe, to progress, and to heal.
This Earth (هذه الأرض) We all share this Earth and from it, look up at the same Moon.
This Earth (هذه الأرض) "On this earth there is that which deserves life" A quotable line by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, has been on my mind a lot lately. Although I used Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery (tatreez) as an homage to the writer, I mean to dedicate it to many: To all those who deserve our humanity and their dignity.
The Salt of Life (ملح آلحاة) - a reminder of what matters on this Earth; That we stop and think about the true flavor of life and take the time to tone down the noise, to slow down the pace, to lessen the damage- so we can savor what is ultimately important to each of us; the real flavor of being - the salt of this life.
البقاء (Al Baqa’), which curiously does not have a direct translation in English. Literally, it means the act of staying -or remaining, referring to survival, existence and continuity. Figuratively, it refers to our inherent instinct to survive, to resist, to remain, with enduring strength and an ability to stand firm.
In Arabic, Hayyakum is the traditional greeting used in the UAE to welcome guests. It defines the essence of the city. It paints a picture of desert people of old; those who believed hospitality to be a sacred trust, their very pride relying on honoring every guest; quenching the thirst of a passer-by, easing the weariness of a traveller, honoring the presence of a visitor.
Hayyakum conjures the kindness with which this country took me in and what it continues to teach me every day; most of all, how to open my door and my heart to every person willing to cross its threshold.
Al Layl (the night)- 30x80cm Okay, this one is not a circle, BUT it's talking about the night, and by extension, the moon, which is round! It's saying: Night is not only darkness. Night offers us promise of a new dawn. It holds space for the stars that draw us a path home. It hails the crescent moon, and brings clarity for those who ask as they close their eyes.