Tashkeel is pleased to present the solo exhibition "... I kept holding" by Maitha Hamdan, marking the end of her Tashkeel Critical Practice Programme (CPP) journey.

The exhibition is a profound exploration of the intersections between colour, material, and societal norms. It centers on the color red and the medium of wax, using these elements to examine the complexities of the human experience and the constraints imposed on women.

Red serves as both a symbol and a catalyst throughout the collection, embodying a spectrum of meanings—blood, life, death, passion, anger, love, and even associations with the devil. Across religious, cultural, and subconscious contexts, red elicits deep emotional responses. Within this exhibition, its historical and symbolic weight is celebrated, encouraging viewers to reflect on its multifaceted presence in our shared consciousness. Red’s intensity compels us to confront its beauty alongside its darker connotations.

Wax, as a medium, becomes a crucial counterpart. In its solid state, it represents concealment and the suppression of truths. As it melts and reforms, it mirrors cycles of vulnerability, resistance, and rebirth—echoing the struggles faced by women globally. These transformations challenge rigid societal norms and question the limits imposed on identity and expression.

Highlighted works such as Patience and I Cried But I Kept Holding delve into the emotional labor endured by women while celebrating their resilience. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with these raw narratives, provoking reflection on how societal boundaries define, confine, and can ultimately be overcome. Through the visceral power of red and wax, this collection confronts and inspires, leaving an indelible impression.