The Saudi Arabian Woman’s Identity – MA Thesis Art Exhibit of Fawziah Al-Thobaiti

Thursday, October 29—Friday, November 13, 2015

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 29, 5:00—7:00pm

The Saudi Arabian woman has been seen as a mysterious figure draped in black. She is known to be mistreated, to have her rights stolen, and to be the subject of other hurtful depictions. Unfortunately, these images are limited in scope – focusing only on the negative aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. Fawziah Al-Thobaiti was born and raised there, and while studying in the United States, she has witnessed her culture from a critical distance.

Al-Thobaiti combines contemporary typography, illustration and photography with Arabic calligraphy as a means to create works – both digitally and by hand – that depict the real life of today’s Saudi women. These images form a cultural portrait offering viewers insight into the ongoing successes and challenges of Saudi women at present such as: women’s rights, marriage, driving laws, education, achievements abroad, and the misconceptions of some issues that have negatively affected their lives.

Through her M.A. thesis exhibition, Al-Thobaiti has set out to highlight the changes that have assisted Saudi women to gain their rightful positions in society. Al-Thobaiti hopes that her works will continue to give voice to these women via print media and online networks.

Shown at the UMKC Gallery of Art, Thursday, October 29 through Friday, November 13, 2015.

Visit our website: http://info.umkc.edu/art/umkcgallery/contact/

Email us: umkcgallery@umkc.edu

Call us: 816-235-1502

Fall 2015 Hours

Monday 9am—noon, Tuesday 10:30—6:00, Wednesday 9am—4pm,

Thursday 10:30—6pm, Friday noon—5pm

*Image shown above: Women’s Rights, Digital Print, 2015