Harem by Essaydi
Lalla Essaydi is an artist whose work is often presented in art magazines and internet searches for moroccan artists. Culture Vultures features one of our discoveries and inspirations from the contemporary Moroccan arts.
Born in Morocco, raised in Saudi Arabia, educated in Europe and the US and now living between New York and Morocco, Essaydi has throughout her career examined ideas of women in Islamic culture. Arab female identity is perceived in her photographs through perspectives between the west and Maghrib. Trained as both a painter and a photographer Essaydi fuses both mediums in her practice. Her work it both visually beautiful and significant in content.
“In my art,” Essaydi says, “I wish to present myself through multiple lenses — as artist, as Moroccan, as Saudi, as traditionalist, as Liberal, as Muslim. In short, I invite the viewer to resist stereotypes.”
Covering all territories #24
Essaydi’s currently exhibiting her latest body of works“Harem”, on view at Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York until January, 2011. http://www.houkgallery.com/exhibitions/2010-11-04_lalla-essaydi/
I love this portrait