Scratched Identities (Exhibition), June-October 2021

‘Scratched Identities’ is an exhibition by Yemeni artist in exile Shatha Altowai that talks about strong, successful women who are forced to hide their own identities due to the community constraints that are imposed on them.

About this event

“A man can show his identity whenever he likes, but for a woman in many families, she must hide her identity from a certain age. Some families scratch the women’s faces in family gathering pictures, or sometimes burn them if necessary, just to get rid of this burden. There are a lot of issues that I could highlight through my paintings while I was in Yemen. However, there were certain topics I wished to discuss but whenever I wanted to paint them I hesitated because it is considered as a sensitive matter and the people’s reaction is unguaranteed. So I am here in Edinburgh, with freedom of expression, I have more courage and confidence to release what’s in my head” Exhibition Panel text by Shatha Audience feedback: “Shatha, I stumbled across your exhibition with my 18 month old daughter and it seemed like a great thing to do together. I’m more touched by the message since having her. May she and all our daughters to come always be seen, exactly as they choose to be. Thanks for your work”.