Oil on canvas.
30x36"
The city and its land serve as a living memorial, a rich history book whose walls are the pages on which its story is written. Artists, akin to historians, etch the essence of the people and events that have shaped the land, capturing the spirits of those who have passed, hence weaving their existences into the very fabric of the place. Particularly during times of war and revolution, these walls become canvases decorated with images and texts aimed at immortalizing pivotal moments and commemorating the bravery and sacrifices of those involved. The Arabic term "الشهيد," meaning "the martyr," is a frequent sight, paying homage to individuals who have fallen while resisting oppression under tyrannical, violent, and corrupt regimes.
Such commemorations honor known martyrs. When I see them, my mind is flooded with questions about the countless unknown "شهداء" who have left no one behind to remember or celebrate their stories. I created this piece specifically for them; a painting with two lines left intentionally blank stands as a tribute to the unrecognized martyrs, offering a space for the names of the unknown to be silently acknowledged. It invites viewers who have lost someone to oppression or in the act of resistance to mentally inscribe their loved ones' names within these lines, fostering a personal connection to the collective memory of sacrifice and resilience.
Talla El Senoussi is an Egyptian artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto, Canada. While her artistic practice centers on painting, Talla employs her drawing knowledge and style using various mediums such as printmaking, sculpture, and digital work. The artist, whose roots are entwined with Egyptian heritage, weaves her personal experiences, familial bonds, and the unfolding events of the Middle East into the fabric of her creations. Her art serves not only as a reflection of her identity but also as a commentary on contemporary social and political dynamics within the region. Central to Talla's artistic narrative is the portrayal of people, creating a resonant connection between the observer and the subject. Through this interplay, she affirms individuals' collective existence within the landscape of the world, acknowledging their unique identities while highlighting the shared human experience.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Talla's love for art stemmed from her intrigue of the technical ability to replicate what the eye sees in a painting. This has fostered her interest in realism and portraiture. While maintaining realism in her world, the artist includes her own style by emphasizing and exploring the bounds of contrast in her work, whether it be through the incorporation of abstracted colors in realistic drawings, the absence of backgrounds with highly detailed subjects, or the combination of opposing matters. While some choices may be odd or confusing, the final results exude calmness and balance through the canvas.
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