VOGUE: The big eyes edition

This series explores societal beauty standards and digital-age stereotypes through the lens of fashion iconography. The works feature characters with disproportionately large eyes, a deliberate artistic choice meant to evoke discomfort and provoke reflection on themes of identity, perception, and the influence of media. The exaggerated eyes serve as a metaphor for vulnerability and scrutiny, while the use of bright, flat colors and irregular shapes creates a visually striking contrast between playfulness and anxiety. Aljeally’s inspiration stems from her observations of how social issues intersect with personal identity, particularly in the context of Sudanese contemporary culture. The series also incorporates elements like traditional Sudanese hairstyles “masayir” reinterpreted in a modern context, subtly honoring cultural heritage while critiquing globalized beauty norms. Exhibited as part of her “Middle Voids” solo show at the French Institute in Khartoum, the series highlights Aljeally’s skill in merging painterly detail with conceptual depth.