هذه أنا (hadhih ana)

"Hadhih Ana" in English "This is Me"

  An Art Piece Inspired by Islamic Architecture and Personal Experiences

Ottoman Sultan Imperial Mosque

The beauty of Islamic architecture has always captivated me, and it is evident in my latest art piece entitled "Hadhih Ana". The inspiration for this piece comes from the majestic Ottoman Sultan Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey. Specifically, I drew inspiration from the mosque's traditional architectural style and its intricate use of colors.

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As I have stated in my "Qui suis je?" blog, "I've learnt to flourish exactly as a flower does after a storm."

هذه أنا

In the piece "Hadhih Ana", I used the techniques of Islamic art; I carefully selected shades of blue from the mosque's traditional architectural style to create my piece. Each part of the flower is intricately crafted to represent my personal experiences, from the peaceful moments of my childhood to the challenges and changes I faced. The blue represents the sky and the ocean, the vast and infinite possibilities of life. That's why I used a dark blue background to depict me and my peace within the sea, covered by the sky.

The center of the flower is a burst of bright, lively colors, carefully arranged to create a vibrant and harmonious aura. This particular part of the art piece represents a significant chapter of my life, my childhood, and my family being together and bigger. The memories of young me in Jordan are still vivid in my mind. The times of laughter and happiness, and everything felt warm and welcoming, with no worries about tomorrow. Looking at the center of the flower fills me with nostalgia, taking me back to a time when everything in my life felt like it was in perfect harmony, like a serene field blossoming with vibrant flowers. The tightly packed colors represent the harmony and unity of my family.

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The petals of the flower are slightly sharp, slightly curved, and uneven, as if the wind and storms had shaped them. They represent the challenges and the changes that I have faced during my life in the United States.

When I first arrived in this country, everything was new and exciting, but also overwhelming and confusing. I had to adapt to a different culture, language, and lifestyle, while also pursuing my academic and life goals. I struggled to find my place in a society that sometimes felt indifferent to my identity and background. The colors on the petals reflect this journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. There are several shades of different colors, each with its own symbolism and significance. Some of the colors are darker or more muted. These colors signify the challenges, the setbacks, the losses, and the pain that I have experienced, the times when I felt lost and defeated.

On the other hand, these petals also represent the light and beauty that shone through the darkest moments of my life. Despite facing setbacks, there was always a glimmer of hope and resilience that enabled me to overcome my fears and doubts. The vibrant colors serve to highlight and emphasize the spirits within. Overall, the petals of the flower reflect the complexity and richness of my life story, and the way that I have integrated my past, present, and future into a cohesive and meaningful whole. They show that even though my life may have sharp edges and rough patches, it is still a beautiful and valuable creation that deserves to be appreciated and celebrated.

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The piece "Hadhih Ana" is a visual representation of my personal experiences and the journey that I have been on. It is a reminder that I have gone through difficult times, but I have come out stronger, and my spirit remains resilient. It is a celebration of my past, present, and future, and I hope that it can inspire others to embrace their own unique journey as well.

Art is not just a beauty to be stared at, but it is also a mirror of our soul.

Hadhih Ana Ban Mustafa Alobaidi