Echoes of Life
presents a series of works defined by their earthy tones, reflecting the natural growth and grounding of my artistic journey during my formative years.
This period was also a reflection of my earlier life in a country undergoing dramatic changes. Experiencing a revolution and war during my formative years left a profound impact, influencing the themes of my early work. The contrast between public conformity and private freedom of expression became a recurring theme, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of creativity, even in tough times.
It was in this kind of double life - one face for the public, another for home, that the seeds of my artistic journey were sown. These early works, like delicate sprouts pushing through cracked pavement, were a reflection of the transformative times I lived in. They were my way of processing the world around me, expressing emotions that couldn't be easily spoken aloud.
My art is a dialogue between past and present, an exploration of how personal and collective memories shape our identity. Each piece invites the viewer to journey alongside me through layers of colour, texture, and narrative, offering a window into the complexities of life in a rapidly changing world.
We, the children of the revolution, craved normalcy. We found solace in stolen moments – colorful clothing hidden beneath drab robes, secret gatherings filled with music and laughter, and the solace of stories whispered in the glow of a forbidden book.
At school, the colour drained from our world. We girls had to wear black scarves that hid all our hair. Even seeing a white sock was a sign of defiance. There was a ban on laughing, sunglasses, and jeans.Our uniforms were designed to be the opposite of whatever was in fashion — there were even guards who measured our pants to make sure they weren't too tight!
These experiences, both joyful and challenging, fuelled my creativity, making art a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration.
I created a separate world for myself with the passion for painting. The colors of my early creations were dominated by earthy tones with lots of shades of red and black.
