Fares Cachoux - EYE to EYE

EYE to EYE series

Fares Cachoux embarked on a fascinating ten-year journey through the intricate fabric of traditional Gulf societies, giving life to the EYE to EYE series. The name of this one-of-a-kind body of work draws inspiration from the only visible feature of a woman concealed behind the niqab: her eyes, transforming them into a powerful symbol of individuality and identity.

This series of works is characterised by vibrant patterns and pop art colours that evoke the weaves and colours of traditional Sadu, the geometric weaving practised by nomadic women across the Arabian Peninsula to create durable textiles. It represents a break from the classic black-and-white dichotomy found in traditional garments: the women’s black abaya and the crisp white thobe worn by men. Although playful and at times ironic, the series raises profound questions about the fragile search for balance between tradition and modernity in contemporary Gulf societies.

At the heart of this exploration lies the question of communication. How can we establish an authentic and meaningful dialogue when someone’s face, expression, and appearance are hidden? This is something we came close to during the COVID-19 pandemic, when face coverings became the norm.

The niqab represents faith and cultural belonging. To the culturally untrained eye, the question of identity can be complex for the women who choose to wear the niqab. The absence of visible and distinctive features makes their identity less recognisable, which can often lead to misconceptions that reduce them to symbols rather than individuals with their own unique personalities. It is intriguing to wonder what stories these women carry and what lies behind their covered appearance.

Cachoux creates a space where these veiled women defy expectations and stereotypes and come to life as daring motorcyclists, bold superheroines, and rebellious rockers. In doing so, they embody their own vitality and individuality, demonstrating that there is more to these women than meets the eye. Through this artistic lens, the multifaceted personalities of these women demonstrate how their essence can thrive and shine through the veil with a strength that is hidden yet never extinguished.

Embedded in this series, Cachoux tackles patriarchy in a playful and tongue-in-cheek way. Whilst mainly dedicated to women, it also features four male portraits. In this intentionally unequal representation, Cachoux places women at the forefront of the series, giving them pride of place.

The humorous use of gender-appropriate pink in the blowing of bubble gum, the licking of a lollipop, and the inclusion of Darth Vader and his stormtroopers mock the serious face of patriarchal authority. Of course, the subject of gender stereotypes, social pressures, and cultural legacies continues to shape the hierarchy of societies and is universally expressed in subtle yet different ways according to context and tradition.