# Controversial Cultural Creations Iqbal Hussain Portraits Muslim Women Sans Head Scarves By Rose Nazarali | Published 2009-09-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iqbal-hussain References: [boingboing.net](http://www.boingboing.net/2009/09/23/iqbal-hussains-women.html) & [pakistaniat](http://pakistaniat.com/2009/03/18/iqbal-hussain-and-his-women/) Iqbal Hussain is a controversial painter who is not known for outlandishly offensive or nude paintings. The women in his paintings are not dressed provocatively or posing suggestively. He is however, known for [painting Muslim and Pakistani women](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity) without their hijabs (head scarves). According to an article on AllThingsPakistani.com, “unlike most respectable Pakistani women, [they] do not have their heads and bosoms covered with dopattas and chadors [scarves] of ‘modesty.’ They are bare-footed and without the shoes of ‘respectability.’” The [portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits), as seen in the gallery above, are quite beautiful in their realism and in the way Iqbal Hussain portrayed the simple and regular activity of relaxing in a chair or spending time with friends and family. Iqbal Hussain also has a blog titled [30Mosques](http://30mosques.com/) which documented the celebrations of Ramadan (Islamic month of fasting) that ended last weekend. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Controversial Cultural Creations:** Opportunity for artists to challenge societal norms and stereotypes through their artwork. - **Painting Muslim Women Without Hijabs:** The portrayal of Muslim women without head scarves in art can spark discussions about identity, freedom, and cultural expectations. - **Realistic Portraits of Daily Life:** Artists who depict everyday scenes in a realistic and relatable way can connect with a wide audience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** Artists can use their creativity to challenge societal norms and create thought-provoking pieces. - **Fashion:** Designers can explore new ways to incorporate head coverings into Muslim women's fashion while respecting cultural traditions. - **Publishing:** Publishers can support the creation and distribution of literature that explores the experiences and perspectives of Muslim women. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Cultural Exhibition Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exhibit-columbus.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Islamic Home Decor Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakkas-boytu.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antonio-santn.md) - [Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-of-a-woman-in-a-hat.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Large-Scale Pink-Fabric Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purple-hibiscus.md)