About

"Rub That Diamond Till Its Rough" portrays a moment that challenges traditional perceptions: an Arab Muslim woman in traditional clothing experiencing joy and empowerment. Inspired by the work of Mona Eltahawy, the piece emphasizes that joy and pleasure are essential components of liberation in the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) region. As a Palestinian Muslim artist, I often find myself focused on resistance and activism, sometimes overlooking the transformative power of joy. This work reminds me—and others—that reclaiming joy is also an act of resistance.

In many parts of the SWANA region, societal norms and expectations often limit individuals’ ability to fully embrace their autonomy and personal happiness. These limitations are compounded by external forces, as Western interventions and stereotypes exploit these dynamics for their own narratives. Mona Eltahawy describes this as living “between a rock and a hard place.”

"Rub That Diamond Till Its Rough" aims to break free from these constraints, delivering a dual message:

1. To the people of SWANA: Embracing joy and empowerment is a vital path to liberation.

2. To the West: Our humanity and our stories are multifaceted, and we reject the reductive narratives often imposed on us.

The title draws from a common saying in the SWANA region, where women are told to protect their purity as if it were a diamond that must remain flawless. This work reclaims that metaphor, challenging restrictive ideas and asserting the right to define one’s own identity and journey.