the book of queens
.
the book of queens .
the book of queens
.
the book of queens .
the book of queens
.
the book of queens .
Afshan adeel. the mother.
muskaan adeel. the eldest.
zoha adeel. the second eldest.
yusra adeel. the third eldest.
duaa adeel. the youngest.
‘The Book of Queens’ takes a spin on the Shahnameh, or ‘Book of Kings,’ from Persia, merging the form of an illuminated manuscript with the decoration of Arabic design & calligraphy. The five pages are dedicated to the five women in my friend Muskaan’s family—Afshan, Muskaan, Zoha, Yusra, & Duaa.
‘The Book of Queens’ visually debates the stereotypically inferior or overlooked role of women in Islam, showcasing each name in delicate gold & ornamentation as a representation of their importance.
The pages translate the underlying vitality, power, & beauty of living as a Muslim-American woman, putting their intersectional identity in script, just as the Kings of Persia had the privilege to do long ago.
ink & watercolor on cardstock