Monster
Details: relief print on Japanese paper, 6 x 8 inches
Year: 2024
"Monster" is a striking wood relief print that reinterprets the myth of Medusa, a figure frequently maligned and misunderstood in the annals of mythology. This piece delves into themes of strength, misrepresentation, and the enduring resilience of women throughout history, inviting viewers to reconsider the narratives that have shaped female identity.
My art is a profound exploration of memory, displacement, and the resilience of family stories. My parents immigrated to Canada from Alexandria, Egypt, in the late 1960s, marking the third generation of my family forced to flee from danger before finding safety. This history of displacement meant that very few personal belongings were saved, making the stories and photographs that survived all the more precious.
For me, photographs are sacred. The few physical remnants that survived my family’s journey to Canada are carefully organized in numbered albums. These albums serve as a portal to the past, where family storytelling comes alive as we gather to browse through them, immersing ourselves in nostalgic memories.
My work is deeply rooted in my family history. All four of my grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and my artistic practice centers on preserving and reimagining their legacy. Through my art, I invite viewers to reflect on the power of memory and the enduring connections between past and present. To learn more about me please see my “about'“ page.