Inji Efflatoun (Egyptian, 1924 - 1989)

Inji Efflatoun had French artistic training, but it was only after she had been imprisoned in 1959 for political activities deemed inappropriate by Nasser, that her distinct style began to emerge. Groupings became more compact, with figures and objects more regimented- lined up in rows. The subjects, harvesters and the countryside, or fighters in battle, with either idyllic or romantic connotations, are treated as patterns on an embroidery, so there is often a tension between serious subjects and playful execution.