Shemagh mirage
The ‘Shemagh Mirage’ collection concentrates on the theme of the urban man in Saudi Arabia. In unraveling this complex social reality, Malluh addresses the discourse of patriarchal values in Saudi Arabia. This cannot be done without examining the changing world order in the light of globalization. In doing so, this series hopes to take part in the dialogue of clarifying misconceptions about gender roles and expectations.
In addition to the exploration of gender discourse, the whole fabric of material culture is studied. The series presents a range of objects more global in resonance, contrasting with the material culture of traditional Saudi Arabian headgear. The objects have no cultural specificity, pointing to the submission of Saudi society – a result of global pressures and markets. ‘Shemagh Mirage’ responds to Saudi experiences of rapid urbanization.
The work draws us into the transformation of society, from one that takes part solely in the Arab-Islamic culture to one that is also active in global trade and commerce. As seen from the overlapping images used in each photogram, this tension shows us the complexities of the very fabric of modern Saudi man and society.
