The Reformed Virtues
Click to see my full post on this series
Challenging notions of ‘modernity’, ravaging colonialism, and linear conceptions of time, this series has been conceived to embody the multiple ways in which ‘Middle Eastern’ peoples have challenged oppression, reclaimed their urban spaces, and manifested enduring solidarity. As per the work’s title, these pieces are a ‘Southernized’ version of the virtues by Piero and Antonio Pollaiuolo and Sandro Botticelli.
Each piece tells of different – and yet connected – stories that have been inspired by many great teachers, writers, friends, and revolutionaries. I wanted to honor their ideas and the many people who have struggled against such rampant regimes by creating these ‘reformed’ representations of ‘virtues’ – Faith (right), Justice (middle) and Fortitude (left) – I believe are necessary for our pursuit of liberation in the ‘Middle East’ and beyond.
Gouache on paper, touched up with color pencils and ink. Each piece is approx. 23x15 cm (~9x6 in)
the process + exhibition
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the process + exhibition 〰️
A shot from the opening night explaining the symbolism and process of painting each virtue
Psst…click above to see an interview I did with UBC’s Hatch Art Gallery!
The original Seven Virtues by Raphael, Botticelli, and del Pollaiuolo at the famed Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These female embodiments of different virtues became a very poignant inspiration and template for my reconfiguration of such virtues.