Veil
Veil, 1997
by Jananne Al-Ani (b.1966)
Clothing plays an important role in defining identity. This work explores the powerful connotations carried by a single item.
In the West the veil is most commonly associated with brides and theVirgin Mary but in many Muslim cultures the wearing of the veil is an integral part of life for most women.
Born in Iraq, Al-Aniâs mother is Irish and her father Iraqi. She was educated, lives and works in London. With this background she has gained an intimate knowledge of both Western and Eastern cultures. She has produced a body of work exploring the Western fascination with the veil, reflecting some of the complexities and ambiguities of the subject.
âI am interested in examining the Western fascination with the veil. No single item of clothing has had more influence on Western images of Middle Eastern women than the veilâ.
Al-Aniâs work offers an alternative vision to that of Western art historical precedents. Both photography and paintings have tended to emphasise the exotic and to exploit the voyeuristic nature of the relationship between artist and model.
The artist, her mother and three sisters are portrayed.
Single screen slide projection
Purchased through the Contemporary Art Society Special Collection Scheme, with Lfrom the Arts Council England, 2002
