Miniature version artworks of some of the major Arcana in the Tarot deck. Inspired by the work of the late metaphysical master Aminollah Kazanlar

Tarot Miniatures

Artwork that visualizes what life could be after the 4th industrial revolution. A digitized, completely monitored, synthetic life is portrayed with pressing issues addressed in every corner and minute detail of the painting. There have been 2 versions of the same work, one with a chaotic color scheme that represents the apocalyptic themes since 2020, while the other utilizes synthetic colors that are not found in nature to describe the processed, synthetic life that we may be heading towards.

Digitizing life in the 4IR

This work was the first of Al Rashid’s series of artworks that illustrate modern architectural heritage, and the systemic demolition of historical buildings in Kuwait. Here, viewers can observe the shock and disappointment of activists as they watch the demolition of the Al Sawaber Complex right in front of their eyes, despite their efforts to prevent such cruel fate. However, the positive result of this occurrence is that it noticeably increased society’s awareness about the need to preserve historical buildings, including modern heritage. The Al Sawaber Complex was built in 1979, and was designed by British architect Arthur Ericson. It is considered to have been the first multi-story form of group housing in the country. 

In keeping with the miniature style, the perspective is flat. Viewers will notice the contrast between the pale color of the reddened asphalt and the rich green color of the embellished frame. In addition, the emerging dust from the demolition of the complex is reminiscent of smoke clouds that appear after an explosion, emphasizing the level of shock that was experienced by the activists after the sudden event, especially that they left no stone unturned to save the building, resorting to the courts and to the media to no avail. Also in this work is the Imam Al Sadiq Mosque, which witnessed bombings in 2017. It was incorporated by Al Rashid in this work as a memorial of those who passed away, as well as a symbol of coexistence and history appreciation.


On the Demolition of AL Sawaber


This work depicts activists skating one last time at the Kuwait Ice Skating Rink, which was the first of its kind in the Middle East, when it opened to the public in 1978, and was designed by French architect Dominic Bo; it is reminiscent of the Golden Age period in Kuwait. Many Kuwaitis had precious memories there, but, unfortunately, it was demolished shortly after “the last skate” in order to accommodate the third phase of developing the Al Shaheed Park. 

Because of the flat perspective of the miniature style, Al Rashid was able to simultaneously document many architectural elements, such as the rink’s wooden ceiling, its entrance and exit doors, as well as the skaters. Merging reality with historical fantasy, the spotlights were replaced by lanterns, and contemporary characters were mixed with characters from ancient times, creating a rich and fascinating dialogue. 

This work is the artist’s favourite, because she felt all the elements were aligned in its making; from the colour palette to the composition and subject matter, she finds it to be one of the most successful pieces from the series. The artwork was widely shared on social media, but a few days later, the Kuwait Skate Rink was abruptly demolished.


The Last Skate

A miniature representing the state of isolation that many of us have faced during the pandemic. A fun take on time travel, the medieval Islamic character watches a series on his magical device while eating a home delivered meal, with his facemask laying about. The confined room becomes almost prison-like, isolating him from the lustrous green outdoors.

Add

Dana Al Rashid

Opportunities

For Artists

ArtConnect

Support