Atef Ahmed (Egyptian, b. 1969)

The present work depicts two very different female figures of the Arab world: on the right panel is Hend Rostom (1929-2011) who was viewed as the 'Marilyn Monroe' of the Middle East. This famous Egyptian actress was considered to be the epitome of feminity, sensuality and Arab beauty. Although her appearance was always quite revealing, she remained elegant and refined.
On the other panel on the left, an anonymous woman is wearing the traditional 'niqab', which entirely covers the face and body, hiding every inch of her womanhood and identity, simultaneously referencing chastity an extreme interpretation of religion. Through these two juxtaposed images, Ahmed highlights the disparity in the multi-faceted representation of the Arab woman, a notion that is particularly pertinent in today's Arab and Muslim world.