New Clothes for the Emperor (II)
2009
Khan 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.
Black and white digital print on archival Canson Infinity paper
33 x 22 1/2 in. (84 x 57 cm)
Purchased with funds from Dipti and Rakesh Mathur
2022.1.2
Provenance: The artist; [Rossi & Rossi Gallery, London, England]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2022
