Devotion

Fatima Killeen defines herself as a painter and a printmaker. She uses motifs inspired from her Islamic heritage to speak about the injustices endured by people living in places of conflict. In the last two decades, her works have specifically aimed at expressing her concern for the humanitarian disregard of those living in occupied lands and regions of struggle.

Devotion houses a journey of commitment and devotion. Fatima still recalls waking at dawn to witness the silhouettes of her mother’s daily dawn prostrations. It was ambiguous whether she was praying or washing clothes. The repeated movement of washing polishes the surfaces of the boards, creating niches for memories that the artist still admires about her mother’s dedication. Faith is intrinsic to life, an oath to care and honour. Fatima describes that both of her mother’s religious devotion and family duties have become interwoven and a personal promise. The washing of clothes became a prayer before the prayer.