Faggot(self-portrait), 2021

Photograph, Arabic calligraphy on skin

The translated Arabic word "faggot" carries significant derogatory implications and is frequently employed as a disparaging term against the LGBTQ community in Syria. In an effort to confront and reclaim this offensive term, I chose to utilize my own skin as a canvas for artistic expression. The creation of this artwork involved the intricate process of cutting masking tape and incorporating foundation.

Upon its release, the artwork faced substantial criticism from conservative segments of the Arab community. The contentious nature of the piece sparked a considerable debate on various social media platforms, amplifying discussions surrounding the LGBTQ movement within the Middle East and among the global Arab population.

Creating this artwork, my objective is to reclaim and embrace a term that has historically been used as a slur, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on acceptance, identity, and the rights of the LGBTQ community in the Arab world and beyond. This work serves as a catalyst for challenging societal norms and fostering dialogue around issues of significance within the LGBTQ movement.

From the group exhibition Vi Är Här at Blå Stället Konsthall, 2021

From the group exhibition “Embodiment” at Steneby konsthall, 2023