This series of works uses the fold as a veil between reality and fiction, sharing stories and hidden truths through symbolism, color, and composition.
Each color is complementary to the other based on jewel tones.
Tanzanite and Citrine, Emerald, and Ruby, Amber and Azurite, and Diamond to end the series.
The last three paintings of this series are an ode to 3 of the Earth's elements, Water, Fire, and Air.
“The Lavender Hour”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2023
This self portrait is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s later years in Rome and his diary entries, specifically his “purple hours”. I chose these colors to symbolize their socio-political connotations throughout history.
“The 7000th Floor”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2023
Inspired by Marrie Antoinette’s private “soirées” and her blindfolded orchestras, Helmut Newton, and Gary Numan’s 1979 song “Metal”, about a robot who wishes to be human but never can be.
“The Guest”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2023
Inspired by a supernatural encounter I once had in London, and by one of Bernini’s last sculptures he ever made. This painting lies on the cusp between reality and eternity. An intimate moment of spiritual ecstasy eternalizing the final breath, but interrupted by a visitor.
“The Other Woman”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2023
Inspired by Sara Vaughan’s song of the same title, this painting lies between two palaces. The princess and her curiosities leave crumbs that tell her tale. From the man in the mirror, to the ring on the floor. A still life of pearls and petals. About to write a letter, the princess ponders her words as she swoons over her bed in luxurious lamentation. Leaving her heart of glass on the table. Scattered amongst the silk, lace, and tulle, lies a crystal orb. Which symbolizes manifestation and the love she never received.
“Midnight Spell”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2024
This painting is an allegory of manifestation, an ode to the witching hour, and a reflection on the historical and esoteric symbolism of the number three. The painting is created with azurite pigment, derived from a stone used as early as the fourth dynasty in Egypt and later by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo. The choice of azurite is deliberate, representing water as one of Earth’s elements and its connection to catoptromancy, a form of divination centered on reflections.
“Molten Rhapsody”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2024
This painting is an allegory of ecstasy. I used the pigment quinacridone burnt orange to represent fire as one of Earth’s elements, symbolizing lust and desire. Against the backdrop of a scorching and desolate landscape, the scene unfolds with a post-climax tableau. A languid reclining nude, nestled upon rocks and rags, while in the background a volcano erupts in rapture.
“Chamber Of Liberty”
Acrylic on Canvas
120 x 90 cm
2024
This painting is an allegory of captivity and an ode to Palestinian resistance. As the concluding piece of my saturated "Curtain Call" series, it is painted in black and white to symbolize the colors of the Palestinian keffiyeh. Referencing air as one of Earth’s elements, the three doves represent peace, freedom, and future. Yet they are confined within a room, unable to fulfill their inherent nature of flight. Behind them, light streams through the curtains, a beckoning call to hope and emancipation. Trapped in their own land, they can only wander in confinement. To symbolize the resilience of the Palestinian people, the color palette is inspired by the gemstone diamond, known as the strongest substance on Earth, a fitting parallel to the unwavering spirit of the Palestinians.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
