Exotic / Endemic

Lead by the study of Cypriot endemic and wild orchids and how they can be synonymous with the standards of beauty and exoticism of Otherness. Their wild beauty is not usually compared to that of domesticated orchids. Intertwining this with the hereditary standards of my own routes; Cyprus and the former Arabian world, I continue to make these comfortable yet slightly threatening forms seen to the right.

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An exposition was set up in my studio building for the annual event Groote Rotterdams Atelier Weekend, 2022. A dissembled bathroom at the Ijzerblok studios is the setting for the works made up of material textiles and epoxy 'frames'. The elements create a slightly uncomfortable scene despite the soft and rounded textiles figures. (The feature of my 'Irritable' sculpture adds to a slaughterhouse feel.) This exudes the paradox of Middle Eastern beauty as it is seen in the eyes of the Western white gaze. 

Some select works and more were also displayed at Roodkapje's Trutfest, Rotterdam in the same year in a show named 'Sexy & Exotic'. These words are also featured in the pair of textile works where the words are manually embroidered.