A cubist style head divided into angular fragments confronts the viewer. Set against a purple background, the face is coloured in sections of yellow, orange, and golden hues. Both eyes are dazzling emerald, green, however, the left eye is drawn realistically and swells with tears, in contrast to the abstract shape of the right eye, which stares out, frozen in fear. Two green birds nestle in the cracks on each side of the face, softening the harsh lines. Birds are a recurrent motif in Laila’s work which symbolise freedom.
I selected this piece in relation to the embroidered bird by Cecilia Montague. I am interested in how women artists represent their experiences and the methods and mediums they use.