Middle East

1 artwork

  • The Kiss 2 AP Artist Proof Giclee Print by Marwan Shahin

    Marwan Shahin The Kiss 2 AP Artist Proof Giclee Print by Marwan Shahin

    The Kiss 2 Artwork Giclee Limited Edition Print on Photographique Rag Paper by Pop Culture Graffiti Artist Marwan Shahin. Marwan Shahin's most controversial artwork from the "BANNED" series discussing women’s rights in the Middle East. "The Kiss 2” 2018 19 inches x 25 inches Giclée on Photographique Rag Signed, AP Numbered & Branded Marwan Shahin – The Kiss 2 and the Weaponization of Intimacy Marwan Shahin’s The Kiss 2 is a provocative and politically potent work from his BANNED series, confronting social taboos and government censorship surrounding women’s rights and public intimacy in the Middle East. Released in 2018 as a signed and branded artist proof limited edition giclée on photographic rag paper, this 19 by 25 inch artwork uses stark line work, seductive posturing, and regal composition to transform a moment of affection into a revolutionary act. The piece directly challenges entrenched cultural constraints by visually spotlighting same-gender intimacy, a subject often silenced or vilified in conservative societies. With a composition that blurs love and resistance, The Kiss 2 presents two veiled women locked in an intimate embrace. Their sensual connection is heightened by their fashion—lace stockings, high heels, gold bangles—juxtaposed against the monochrome drapery of their black garments. The figures are immersed in a hypnotic, linear background that evokes both depth and entrapment. It is a visual metaphor for the rigid societal structures they are caught within, yet their closeness disrupts the power of those constraints. BANNED Series and Cultural Subversion Through Street Pop Art Shahin, a multidisciplinary Egyptian artist, has made a global mark with works that fuse graffiti influences, pop culture references, and political rebellion. The BANNED series, of which The Kiss 2 is a centerpiece, functions as both protest and invitation—demanding visibility for marginalized voices while exposing the mechanisms of repression. His work reflects the duality of danger and desire that characterizes public expressions of identity and sexuality in tightly controlled environments. Within the context of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork, Shahin’s style blends the ornate framing of Islamic decorative arts with the punchy linework and rebellion of street graphics. The result is a contemporary visual dialect that allows his message to transcend borders. Shahin uses the aesthetics of power—bold contrast, symmetry, and luxury—to critique the very systems that wield it. The chains in the frame don’t just reference bondage; they mirror the boundaries imposed on personal freedom by state and society. Global Street Art with a Middle Eastern Voice While Shahin’s work has gained significant traction internationally, it remains deeply rooted in his Egyptian identity. His artistic journey began in Alexandria, where he immersed himself in underground street art and graffiti as a form of protest during the Arab Spring. That experience sharpened his belief in art as a revolutionary medium. Unlike many Western pop or graffiti artists who approach the genre with satire or nostalgia, Shahin often embeds real-life risks and socio-political urgency into his practice. The Kiss 2 has become one of his most shared and censored images, igniting conversation around visibility, intimacy, and censorship. It reflects the globalizing force of street culture while maintaining cultural specificity. Shahin’s ability to infuse graffiti’s disruptive energy into refined giclée prints allows him to expand the territory of street art into fine art galleries without losing its insurgent core. Reclaiming the Forbidden Image In a world where women’s public behavior is often scrutinized and weaponized, The Kiss 2 flips that gaze. Rather than hiding affection, Shahin immortalizes it in fine detail and saturated symbolism. The kiss becomes more than a moment—it is a declaration. The high-heeled figures are not objectified but empowered, casting shadows of both seduction and solidarity. Through Marwan Shahin’s lens, the forbidden becomes art, and the personal becomes political. His voice joins the chorus of contemporary street and graffiti artists expanding the language of resistance through visual culture. The Kiss 2 is a print, but more than that, it’s a message that asks to be seen, remembered, and echoed.

    $863.00

Middle East
Graffiti and street art have long been essential modes of expression in the Middle East, serving as powerful tools for both communication and activism. The region's complex history, cultural diversity, and ongoing socio-political issues provide an abundant source of inspiration for artists. In recent years, graffiti art prints and street art prints have gained popularity, reflecting the importance of these art forms in capturing the spirit of the region. One of the defining aspects of Middle Eastern graffiti and street art is the way it brings together traditional cultural elements and contemporary political and social issues. Calligraphy, an essential component of Middle Eastern art and history, features prominently in graffiti, with artists using the ancient scripts to form striking visuals. By combining the classic aesthetic of Arabic calligraphy with urban graffiti styles, artists create a fusion that is both unique and representative of the region. The Arab Spring, which began in 2010, marked a significant turning point for the Middle East and provided a rich source of inspiration for graffiti and street art. Throughout the uprisings, public spaces became canvases for artists to voice their grievances and hopes, using powerful imagery to convey messages about the struggle for freedom and social justice. Many works from this period capture the essence of the protests and now circulate as art prints, serving as a reminder of the transformative events that took place. Notable Middle Eastern graffiti and street artists, such as eL Seed, Yazan Halwani, and A1one, have used their work to engage with critical issues in the region. eL Seed's calligraffiti style, which merges Arabic calligraphy with street art, explores themes such as identity and belonging, while Yazan Halwani's intricate murals often pay tribute to famous figures from Arab history and culture. A1one, a pioneering Iranian street artist, uses his work to address issues of censorship and repression in Iran, demonstrating the potential for art to enact change. The Middle East's conflict-ridden history is also reflected in graffiti and street art prints. For example, Palestinian artists often use these mediums to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, producing powerful and evocative pieces that capture the impact of this long-standing dispute. Similarly, in Lebanon, street art serves as a reminder of the nation's tumultuous past and offers commentary on its post-war struggles. However, the Middle East's graffiti and street art are not solely focused on political issues. Artists also explore themes of love, unity, and cultural pride, emphasizing the beauty and resilience of their communities. By depicting iconic landmarks, folklore, and other aspects of regional culture, these works celebrate the Middle East's rich heritage and diversity. Graffiti art prints and street art prints from the Middle East play a vital role in raising global awareness about the region's history, culture, and ongoing struggles. By making these powerful and evocative works accessible to a wider audience, art prints help preserve the messages of the original pieces and share the stories of the artists who created them. In this way, Middle Eastern graffiti and street art serve not only as vibrant visual expressions but also as vital records of the region's complex and ever-evolving narrative.
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