The subject matter of Lalla Essaydi's islamic women portraits have been influenced by her past growing up in Morocco. Even though the artist's education have been outside of the country, her background and early years living in a traditional Islamic culture has fundamentally shaped her and her artwork.
This mixed media project is called 'Harem,' and is a combination of the artist's photography and painting. What I really like about the work is the honesty in the portrayal of the women. She doesn't emphasize their sexuality or exhibit them in a way that is visually ideal but rather, in a way that demonstrates fear, confusion and isolation.
The artist painted over the exposed skin with islamic calligraphy, which mixed with the calligraphic background, look stunning and captivating.
Harem-Inspired Portraiture
Lalla Essaydi's Islamic Women Art is Gorgeously Realistic
Trend Themes
1. Islamic Women Portraits - Embracing the cultural heritage of Islamic women in portraiture creates opportunities for exploring diverse perspectives and challenging traditional notions of beauty.
2. Mixed Media Art - Exploring the combination of photography and painting in art opens up innovative possibilities for creating visually captivating and thought-provoking pieces.
3. Honest Representation - Shifting the focus from objectifying women to portraying their emotions and experiences honestly in art challenges societal norms and promotes empathy.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Art - The fine art industry can embrace the trend of incorporating Islamic women's culture and experiences into portraits, and create a space for diverse voices and perspectives.
2. Photography - The photography industry can explore the potential of blending photography with other art forms, such as painting, to create unique and visually stunning works.
3. Fashion - The fashion industry can draw inspiration from the honest representation of women's experiences in art to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote inclusivity in their designs.