Misba?a / The Prayer Beads / ????? by Ayman Kaake

'Misbaha' serves as a visual representation of Ayman Kaake's identity and a reflection of his experience within a patriarchal Middle Eastern environment. The work explores the weight of societal expectations and the constraints placed upon LGBTQIA+ individuals. By incorporating prayer beads as a symbol of concealing one's true identity, Kaake conveys the pressures to conform to societal norms surrounding marriage, children, and the preservation of family names. In a world where homosexuality remains illegal in over 74 countries, the piece raises a poignant question: how far can a queer person go to fit social, political, and cultural norms in order to survive?