Kezban Arca Batibeki (Turkish, b. 1956)

Phonebooth is a striking example of Kezban Arca Batibeki's practice as she explores the role of women and identity in everyday society. The antagonist is depicted in a blue royal marine dress adorned with embroidery, her back is revealed and her pose is simultaneously seductive and powerful. Characteristic of Batibeki's heroines, her hair is flowing dramatically, it creates a strong sense of empowerment and movement across the canvas. Surprisingly, the figure is using a public phone, an almost extinct instrument in today's ubiquitous mobile phone world. The texture of the canvas is rich, she uses beads and sequins and embroidery to comment and reassert the importance of women in society. Her face is deliberately obscure to represent all women from the region through pop culture. Interestingly, the attire and her exposed hair carries loaded connotations in today's political climate as religious parties are gaining popularity amidst the Arab Spring that is sweeping across the Middle East.