exotic contemporary art

Painting of sultan from 1001 nights metallic art
1001 Nights: Scheherezade's Salvation
1001 Nights: Scheherezade's Salvation
1001 Nights: Scheherezade's Salvation
1001 Nights: Scheherezade's Salvation

1001 Nights: Scheherezade's Salvation

Regular price
$0.00
Regular price
Sale price
$0.00
Unit price
per 
Availability
Sold out

A long time ago, when brutality was the norm and #Metoo a mere twinkle in a concubine's eye, there lived a sultan with serious trust issues. He had been betrayed by his first wife, and was under the impression that all women were unfaithful by nature. He did, however, possess a powerful libido, so, in an endeavour to satiate his desire, he would bed a virgin each night and order her execution the following morning. This way, he reasoned, he could never be betrayed. 

This plan worked brilliantly, until the cunning Scheherazade entered his chambers. She had seen the plight of her sisters, and devised a survival plan... Every night she would commence a wondrous tale, full of intrigue, mystery and adventure. The sultan would be enthralled, but Scheherazade would end on a cliff hanger, leaving him begging for more. This ensured her return the following night, where she continued each tale.

For 1001 nights, she kept the sultan captivated with her suspenseful endings, and fabulous stories. Eventually, the sultan fell in love with the remarkable Scheherazade and married her (we can only assume that Scheherazade reciprocated the affection, although I personally be a little tense marrying someone with his track record)... and the rest is material for 6 seasons of Netflix binge watching.

If you look very carefully, you will see that I sacrificed four virgins to compose the sultan’s face. 

Sometimes referred to as the Arabian Nights, this is the legend from which Sinbad the Sailor, Aladdin, Ali Baba and a multitude of wonderful Persian tales we know of today comes from (with a little bit of artistic license on my part of course).

Acid etched aluminium with acrylic and enamel details.
50 x 50cm, frameless free form shape with batons on back.