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2010 THEA Artist Statement Theme "Personal Strength" |
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| By Lisa Olson | ||
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Growing up in an Arab country where women had no independence or
personal identity posed to be my
greatest struggle. I was raised having to wear a veil to cover my body,
head to toe, revealing only my eyes through an
abaaya. I felt lost and weak having to hide myself and my
passion- wanting to find my own individuality and amplify it. I
found my greatest strength becoming an American citizen which cultivated
my self-esteem and freedom. The autonomy the American women had was
uplifting. My charcoal portrait depicts me lifting my veil, baring my
eyes and hands, finding my strength in my independence… independence of
an American. |