Red Diamond

Stretch(ed) Gems” is a series of abstract and figural paintings on machine and handwoven carpets. Ubiquitous in households across much of the West, Middle East, a rug in general and specifically a Persian-style rug, whether utilitarian or high-end status symbol, is commonly located at the center of a family’s domestic and social lives. The work is inspired by the saying “sweep it under the rug” This work aspires to bring truth swept under the rug into the open to liberate. Each hand painted gem is a revelation of beauty, strength, representing the transformation that sharp cuts have on the precious gems. Much like diamonds, marginalized population especially women are pressured by society to have the perfect cut, or fit into a mold of acceptable norms. The cuts only sharpen the edge of their beauty and worth, not as an object but as an empowered force. Exploring contradiction and the culture clash between contemporary life and the reactionary traditional world, this series navigates around issues of feminism, identity, cultural traditions, values and roles of women in the 21st century