Art is not just something pretty you hang on the walls. It is a statement, a plot device and commentary on history while also changing its history. No one knows this better than Shurooq Amin. Like Russian Dolls, We Nest in Previous Selves is recursive, meta and stunning to look at, but is a reflection of the times and an agent of change. The series is a result of a two-year journey that explores how the private and public play on each other back and forth within the tiny seed of our ancestors that nestles inside each one of us, just like the Russian Doll.

After her last exhibit, in 2016 It’s a Mad World Shurooq was adamant on taking a break so she could start fresh and create new art. But instead of relaxing, she dreamt of what she needed to do next. “I was awoken by a dream, vivid in its lucidity, appearing to show me images of my next work: a series of artworks that hark back to portraits of characters from society perched high on throne-like chairs, against Renaissance-style backdrops of muted dark hues.” she explained.

The chair is repeated throughout the entire series. It is a representation of power. But it also evokes a sense of helplessness. There are multiple layers of nuance in each painting and different items that seem to be carelessly strewn across the canvas but thematically coming together in the end. With the overall result inviting the viewer to become part of the image and engage with the person on the “throne”.

When asked to explain the interesting title. Shurooq explained the origin of the name “This concept was later inspired by a line I read in a poem by one of my favorite American poets, Diane Ackerman, which states: “Like Russian Dolls, we nest in previous selves”.” And we think that makes perfect sense.

See the paintings for yourself at CAP Kuwait starting January 8 at 8pm. For more information follow @shurooqamin and @CAPKuwait. Images courtesy of Shurooq Amin.