Fatma Shanan

Oil on canvas, 40 x 60 cm, 2013, private collection Tel Aviv

In the painting, a man kneels on a rug in a field of stubble. The rug has become part of the muddy land. The man leans over to collect the remaining straw, and weaves it into the floral pattern.

In real life, a woman carries the rug out to her back yard. She hangs it on the railing and shakes out the dust that has accumulated during the day. When she is done, she carries the rug back inside and continues with her chores. This is her daily opportunity to leave the house on her own.