MMI (Me, myself and I)

The third painting in the series carries a deeply personal significance. It showcases three masks, each representing a different facet of our inner selves. The foremost mask portrays a self-portrait of the artist, representing the face we all recognize—the one we present to the world. The two additional masks, devoid of specific features, remain shrouded in mystery, representing aspects of ourselves that elude our own understanding. The tree mask symbolizes the various faces we exhibit within society. It encompasses the face known to the general public, the face reserved for close acquaintances, and the face concealed from everyone—an enigmatic aspect known only to ourselves. A striking red ribbon winds through the composition, visually connecting the three masks and signifying their inherent interdependence. This ribbon serves as a testament to how these different personas are intricately linked and support one another. The painting technique features a combination of bold and delicate brushstrokes, exemplifying the resilience and vulnerability inherent in the artist's character. Once again, the captivating ultramarine blue hue, derived from the precious pigment of Lapis Lazuli, acts as a visual bridge between the artist's birthplace in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the city that shaped her, Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. The connection between these two significant locations is thus artistically represented. As in previous artworks, the veins within the composition symbolize the interconnectedness of all elements in our surroundings. They embody the profound influence the environment can exert on our spirit, while also emphasizing the reciprocal impact our mindset can have on our external reality. This deeply introspective painting invites viewers to contemplate the complex layers of their own identities and the masks we wear in different contexts, shedding light on the interconnectedness of our inner selves and the world around us.

The Mask Collection