Manal Al-Dowayan Analysis

To most, choosing a path and journey in life lay entirely in their own hands. However, for most women in the middle east, it is much more complex. In her photographic series ‘The Choice’, Manal Al-Dowayan aims to break the restraint that most Saudi Arabian women endure by showcasing the paradox of being an ambitious Saudi Arabian woman in the contemporary world. Manal Al-Dowayan is known for her mixed media installations that stresses the issue of gender inequality in Saudi Arabia as well as the rest of the Gulf countries. “The Choice” aims to convey the pride many Saudi Arabian women feel towards their culture time, inspiring to do activities that are either illegal or looked down upon by society.
Religion, tradition and ambition are holistically
She expresses these difficult, loaded issues whilst painting a graceful manner of doing so. The photographic series was realized in 2005 and it is composed of six black and white photos. In every photograph in the series, Manal Al-Dowayan leaves no room for ambiguity. Her work is transparent and her message is clear: there are double standards in her society and it restrains women’s capabilities. She does not wish to create art that is more abstract, in order for the audience to not misinterpret the message, which is why this series is not complicated or ornamented; it is stark, serious and direct.
In the photograph “The Choice”, a woman holds a steering wheel against her face while wearing traditional niqab and henna on her hands conveys a juxtaposition of being a woman in Saudi Arabia. The juxtaposition lies in the fact that a Saudi woman may feel pride in her heritage, however, is dissatisfied with the oppressive laws towards the female population, specifically against women driving. Another aspect of this art piece as well as other pieces of this
This expresses a barrier to a woman’s ability to express her identity as she sees fit. For example, the steering wheel that covers the woman’s face stops her from reaching her full potential. The way in which the steering wheel is in front of her could symbolize how the law that prohibits women from driving is a barrier to women from reaching their full potential.
In contrast to the message that the photographs convey about women’s restrictions to drive, play sports, and work, the photographs aim to break gender stereotypes since it showcases the ability of women to do those things. She is also telling her viewer that women are capable of pursuing those careers and actions. Therefore the pictures not only express restriction and oppression but they also illustrate ability and potential. Allowing women to follow their aspirations is key in a well-functioning, healthy society since women make up half the