Gallery
Out of Place
The Pasha, also addressed in Arabic as El Basha, was formerly used in Turkey and Egypt during the early Twenties as an honorary title. It was applied exclusively to those who are ranked with high respect and status. ‘El Basha’ links how one’s feeling of being out of place is sometimes led by being placed out of their time.As technology rapidly develops, this disconnect continues to widen. As the old continues to try and adapt to the new, many things seem foreign to those who have experienced life in simpler times.
Belonging: The good, the bad, and the beautiful
It is human instinct to constantly have a desire for physical beauty & wealth. This series underlines this sort of human nature of trying to ‘belong’ to society’s developed perception towards beauty. Idealized or commercialized beauty standards, such as tanning, weight loss, or wearing fur, can be highly damaging physically and psychologically. My imagery reflects on these materialistic values, and questions whether beauty overcomes truth.
Psychedelia ( Paintings )
With The Beatles
This exhibition is a tribute to the ‘Fab Four’, a reminder of how The Beatles brought us joy and warmth. My first painting of the famous Beatles was exhibited for a university art show, which surrounded the theme of love. It was then when I realized that The Beatles stood as an icon and symbol of love, peace and music. The life and music of The Beatles will always be timeless and ageless.
Drawings
Familiar Faces
My portrait photographs take on an artistic perspective, rather than merely a study of one’s physical appearance. The series show an interest in beauty and the body, while also questioning the true nature of identity. Is identity how we perceive ourselves, or how others perceive us to be? Thus, I photographed my subjects from behind in order to avoid exposing their faces. By doing so, my models have become ‘unidentifiable strangers’, thus they cannot be judged or read by the viewer. The images are captured using film photography and then integrated with ‘free hand art’ by using calligraphy ink.
Sexy Masculinity
“Sexy Masculinity” shows female subjects who try to identify themselves with the male figure. They appear to be dressed in stereotypical male outfits and were often captured imitating ‘manly’ postures. Yet, the female figures ended up representing otherwise. They lure charm and seduction.
Substitute for Love
Photographed using a medium format film camera, the series features a middle aged women indulging a variety of chocolates in a playful seductive manner. The images explore how chocolates can be more satisfying than love in a light, humorous manner. For many hard working women running a household or a tedious career, a chocolate bar could easily be more appetizing than unfulfilling love. Can the smooth, creamy texture of chocolate be more tempting than the passion shared between two individual? In this case, my subject chose food over thought.