Common Threads

2 Middle Eastern women in a firestorm with an ominous cloud overhead and a fragrance bottle that might be a bomb

Janet Mathewson.

Prayer Rug #2. 2023.

Synthetic polymer on canvas.

300 x 300mm

Private collection

Abstract painting of a carnation representing retaking power and renewal of life, looking at a picture of God,, seated as a King of Peace in a beautiful mystical green landscape

Janet Mathewson.

Light Garden of the Angel King. 2023.

Synthetic polymer on canvas. 300 x 300mm

Abstract painting of veiled women joined by common issues, hopes and dreams, in the midst of tulips, representing God and His closeness to each one of them

Janet Mathewson.

Prayer Rug #1. 2023.

Synthetic polymer on canvas.

500mm diameter

Abstract painting of Iranian woman being spied on, striding into the darkness as a powerful, colourful woman, with an abstract carnation growing up beside her as a symbol of retaking power and renewing life

Janet Mathewson.

Because. 2023.

Synthetic polymer and gold leaf on canvas. 400 x 400mm

Abstract painting showing two veiled figures in a stormy setting with a genie bottle about to open, and rivers beside them, with a stormy sky

Janet Mathewson.

Prayer Rug #3. 2023.

Synthetic polymer on canvas.

500mm diameter

Abstract painting of veiled water, with streams in the desert, a heart of stone becoming a heart of flesh, desert sand, a tulip representing God, and connecting threads representing their shared hopes and dreams

Janet Mathewson.

Prayer Rug #4. 2023.

Synthetic polymer on canvas.

760 x 760mm

Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East have recently seen displays of incredible trauma and courage. Common Threads is my contribution to reframing their stories, celebrating the dreams of those who dare to hope. Like amuletic protective symbols from textiles, abstract veiled female shapes emerge from the shadows, reclaiming the brilliant potential of their lives.

Compositionally these works reflect the woven element known as a Gul (flower), which often takes centre stage. In Persian culture, the tulip is the flower of God, its name and God’s constructed from the same consonants (laleh and Allah). The Ottoman stylized carnation (karanfil) was a symbol of power and renewal of life.

Green stands for the highest level of mysticism, and connection to God. Yellow represents “noor” (light) – “tantamount to realization of actualities that were previously hidden…” (1)

(1) Tehran Times, Feb 21, 2012: “Shades of doubt and shades of hope: Colors in Iranian Culture”