Tasleemah

The first of the Ten Commandments prohibits idolatry. Out of the three Abrahamic religions, Islam is the strictest about the representation of human or animal figures.

In my art I have always been attracted to presenting people, and visually translating their stories. Living in Saudi Arabia, I try to find a middle ground. I often paint only part of the face, though many have discouraged and even warned me against depicting any Thawat el Arwah (beings with a soul). The art scene has changed in my country over the years, but the painting and sculpting of figures is still frowned upon in many circles.