Ain


Ain, an Arab protective eye talisman reimagined by Bonfelle

Part of the Byzantine Saga·See the full series

Part of Odes to Peace·See the full series

In Arabic, Ain means “eye,” but it has never meant only that. Across the Arab world, the eye is a talisman, a quiet guardian that wards off envy and harm. I wanted to take that simple shape and let it carry all of its weight: protection, belief, and the comfort of being watched over.

Anyone who grew up in the Arab world has seen these eyes watching from doorways, keychains, and baby clothes. With this piece, I wanted to look back at them.

عين

في العربية لا تعني «العين» النظر فحسب؛ فهي في أرجاء العالم العربي تميمة وحارس صامت يردّ الحسد والأذى. أردتُ أن آخذ هذا الشكل البسيط وأترك له كامل ثقله: الحماية، والإيمان، والطمأنينة بأن هناك من يسهر علينا. كل من نشأ في العالم العربي رأى هذه العيون تراقبه من الأبواب ومفاتيح السيارات وملابس الأطفال، وفي هذا العمل أردتُ أن أنظر إليها بدوري.

Get new work by email

First look at new series, behind-the-scenes process and first pick of workshop seats. Every few weeks, never spam.

, ,

More from the Byzantine Saga

See the full series

More Odes to Peace

See the full series

More portraits

See all portraits

More artworks

Visit the Art Showcase