Haifa Bint-Kadi
The Nazar of Seeing, 2025
Ceramic on wood
16 x 12 x 12
 
The Evil Eye, or Nazar, is a sacred phenomenon throughout MENA and is believed to be a protective measure against evil or envy. In order to be protected from hasad, or evil, the Hamza or evil eye is worn or displayed as a symbol or form of defense against a malicious gaze cast by an envious person, preventing one from good health and fortune. This symbol has become a ‚"cute" form of cultural appropriation, tokenizing the Arab culture amidst a political climate of aggression towards Arabs. They can be found on pillows, bathmats, jewelry and rugs. The symbols are trending and often adorned by people who have no clue about the cultural weight these symbols bear. In an effort to re-contextualize this symbol, I created the Nazar to be a powerful protection against cultural appropriation and as a symbol of identity.