Mark; Installation painting, leather and canvas
Using dyed red leather stretched on a boxed wooden frame, as well as integrating painted canvas in the composition explores female genital mutilation by associating leather that becomes a metaphor for human flesh.
By showing both sides of the leather the difference in textures can be explored.
Stitches that combine different materials( leather and canvas) represent a good balance between unity and variety.
This work uses colour as a visual mean of communication. The predominant red colour carries signification meaning by suggesting the raw and unnatural practice of female genital mutilation.
The presence of stitches and the needle that remains suspeneded in the artwork, are a graphic representation of bodily mutilation.
The decision behind leaving the leather fall freely at the bottom implies struggle as the leather refuses to fit into the pattern, as women's sexuality shouldn't be framed into a box.
idea of unfinished
The exposed stamp of the leather in the bottom left side of the work can be interpreted as a comparison of how women are seen as property.
Unfolded; Installation, leather.
The wall installation piece is created from different layers of leather by focusing on an exaggerated large scale of core imagery.
The embodiment of a vagina as the central focus of this installation and the reason behind depicting it at such a large scale aims to raise awareness about FGM. Here, the strings hold important significance as they symbolise stitches and the bold choice of the red colour quickly becomes a metaphor for blood.
Its size overemphasis the growing necessity for change and conversation about FGM.
The importance of vaginas is overlooked in so many cultures and the stigma around female genitalia has great consequences for women.
The use of cuts and stitches in my work allowed me to explore a different way of working with materials.
In the paintings above, the use of stitches becomes central in the composition almost as a way to define the artwork.
The variety of different colours and materials( leather, canvas) is a way to explore visual representation.
The recurring use of stitches can be seen as a constant across the oevre.
Untitled No.1; oil paint on leather and integrated blade.
Untitled No. 2; oil paint on leather.
Untitled No. 3; oil paint on leather.
Playing with materials and painting on leather as well as using metal into the composition becomes a fun process that allows me to explore the use of different materials coming together.
Painting on leather was an interesting experiment as the material has a different structure then canvas, which is what I previously used in my work.
What made me expand and try new materials was the fact that leather in what it represents became a better way of communicating visually with the audience.
Suspended; installation leather.
Using the square box wooden frame is a metaphor of how women's sexuality is framed.
The two pieces of leather sewed together create core imagery are suspended by using fishing wire in the square wooden frame.
The installation is a free standing piece that explores FGM by the use of leather in neutral skin colours.
The combination of wood and leather and the very similar colour tones is a juxtaposition of materials coming together.
Creating objects that give meaning though their materials, leather being the central piece of the work, shows a constant and progressive way of making a statement against violence against women.
Bruised; Oil on canvas.
Working with different leather types and making stitches.
Veiled; Oil paint on canvas and fabric.
Flesh; Leather on wooden frame.
Untitled No. 5; Oil paint on canvas.
Roze; Oil on canvas.
Blue; leather installation.
Examples of different materials I work with: canvas, different fabrics and leather.