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New Clothes for the Emperor (II)

Date2009

Maker Naiza Khan Pakistani, born 1968

Label TextKhan focuses here on the site of the female body, specifically on garments crafted to contain the sexuality of women. This photograph is part of a series known as Heavenly Ornaments, in which Khan fabricated metal lingerie, skirts, and corsets. The metal body coverings, including the armor breast plate seen on the model here, were a reference to the socio-religious Urdu text Bahishti Zewar, which contains advice on morals and behavior for young Muslim women. Rather than act as protection, these metal coverings were a form of confinement.

Object number2022.1.2

ProvenanceThe artist; [Rossi & Rossi Gallery, London, England]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2022

Exhibition HistoryNew York, New York, Talwar Gallery, Emperor’s New Clothes: Dress, Politics and Identity in Contemporary Pakistan, June 25 - Sept. 19, 2009. Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Embodied Change: South Asian Art Across Time, Jan. 14 - July 10, 2022.Published ReferencesMasters, H.G. and Elaine W. Ng, eds., Naiza Khan: Works 1987-2013 (Hong Kong: ArtAsiaPacific; Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, 2013); pp. 96-97.

Credit LinePurchased with funds from Dipti and Rakesh Mathur

Dimensions33 x 22 1/2 in. (84 x 57 cm)

MediumBlack and white digital print on archival Canson Infinity paper