# Harem-Inspired Portraiture Lalla Essaydi's Islamic Women Art is Gorgeously Realistic By Simal Yilmaz | Published 2013-03-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/islamic-women References: [visualnews](http://www.visualnews.com/2013/02/26/harem-captivating-images-of-islamic-women/) & [houkgallery](http://www.houkgallery.com/artists/lalla-essaydi/) The subject matter of Lalla Essaydi's [islamic women portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-identity) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakkas-boytu) culture has fundamentally shaped her and her artwork. This [mixed media project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kasashima-gallery) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/photography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Islamic Women Portraits:** Embracing the cultural heritage of Islamic women in portraiture creates opportunities for exploring diverse perspectives and challenging traditional notions of beauty. - **Mixed Media Art:** Exploring the combination of photography and painting in art opens up innovative possibilities for creating visually captivating and thought-provoking pieces. - **Honest Representation:** Shifting the focus from objectifying women to portraying their emotions and experiences honestly in art challenges societal norms and promotes empathy. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **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. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Intricate Fiber Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threadwork-women-redefining-fiber-arts.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Traditional Emirati Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tirhal-collection.md) - [Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antonio-santn.md) - [Islamic Home Decor Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakkas-boytu.md) - [Artfully Expressive Rug Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/she-rug-collection.md) - [Female Artist-Honoring Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tomma-bloom-x-ttw-editions-collection.md) - [Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rude-arts-club.md)