‘I Forgot What You Felt Like’: Arab Women Artists Explore Memory and Identity

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The exhibition ‘I Forgot What You Felt Like’ by Hayaty Diaries features Arab women artists exploring themes of memory, identity, and emotional reconnection through their art. Yasmina Hilal, Zahra Holm, Raya Kassisieh, and Huda Jamal showcase reflections on personal experiences of grief, motherhood, and self-identity, inviting viewers to contemplate their narratives.

The exhibition ‘I Forgot What You Felt Like’, hosted by the nomadic gallery Hayaty Diaries in London, showcases the works of Arab women artists who reflect on themes of memory and reconnection. Artists Christina Shoucair and Kinzy Diab invite four notable Arab women—Yasmina Hilal, Zahra Holm, Raya Kassisieh, and Huda Jamal—to express their experiences of reencountering familiar aspects of their lives through art. Each artist brings a unique perspective to the exploration of their identities and emotional landscapes. Lebanese photographer Yasmina Hilal shares a poignant portrait of her grandmother’s home, a reflection of love and loss that resonates deeply with her sense of memory. Zahra Holm’s works delve into her postpartum journey, exploring the complexities of self-identity and recovery. Raya Kassisieh’s 3D sculptures address themes of longing and self-embrace, while Huda Jamal’s piece illuminates feelings of misunderstanding in close relationships. Together, their pieces invite contemplation on memory, identity, and emotional connections.

Hayaty Diaries is an art collective dedicated to highlighting the stories and experiences of Arab women. The latest exhibition, ‘I Forgot What You Felt Like’, focuses on the theme of ‘return’, encouraging artists to explore what it means to reconnect with aspects of their lives that feel distant yet familiar. This theme resonates particularly within the context of Arab women’s narratives, which often reflect deeper cultural and personal histories.

The ‘I Forgot What You Felt Like’ exhibition serves as a powerful exploration of memory and identity through the lens of Arab women artists. By showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, the exhibition highlights the importance of storytelling in art and the emotional complexities that come with reencountering cherished memories. Through their work, artists like Yasmina Hilal, Zahra Holm, Raya Kassisieh, and Huda Jamal engage viewers in a dialogue about loss, identity, and the journey of self-discovery.

Original Source: cairoscene.com