2014 

Bronze, Acrylic 

The stereotypical view of a Muslim woman has been demoted to her eyes; and that is all she physically appears to be, according to Google, western and conservative Middle Eastern views. When the body is covered in drapes or loose fitting clothing/covers, it takes away a sense of humanity. The human form has been altered and concealed by fabric and folds which makes relating to said person difficult. However, no matter how much of the body is covered, a person can still be read and related as long as their eyes are visible to meet in mutual contact.

Eyes are the windows to the soul, though some say the doorway. Eyes are what attract us first and foremost to a persons face, and from the eyes, we make judgments on a persons unspoken character. Since the eyes are the windows to the soul, it can be considered, even in the most extreme societies and conditions, that the eyes are unofficially the only part of the woman that is typically “halal” (permissible) to the public eye. The eyes are clean and harmless, and yet are also capable of mischief. The eyes can see truths and lies, things they are not supposed to see, read great words of inspiration for good or evil. So then we have essentially reduced an entire human being, with desires, passions, and all ideas, to eyes and pure soul. However, as long as the eyes are present, the strongest sense of humanity should still be there.

            Eye contact is formidable, and makes many uncomfortable and intimidated because of its power.  The conventional idea of a veiled Muslim woman is not just an oppressed over dressed woman reduced to just a pair of eyes, but an entire being, each powerful in her own way. The power of her watchful eyes, gazes back with the same intensity that the world judges her with.