EFA STUDIO PROGRAM: Member Artists

Camille Eskell

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In many related series, I have explored self-perception, societal attitudes, and psychological states related to gender bias in my work. As a first-generation American and the youngest of three daughters from a Middle Eastern Iraqi-Jewish family from Bombay (Mumbai), my purpose has been to examine my cultural history and familial heritage through a feminist lens in my latest work. For me, the converging of these three ancient societies compounded the underlying disparagement of women they shared, and deeply impacted me as it played out in the family dynamic. Through my practice, I aim to unearth the influences of embedded patriarchal systems and inequitable gendered traditions that persist across generations. In my current series The Fez as Storyteller, a group of mixed-media sculptures and two-dimensional works, I tackle the impact of these beliefs and perceptions and their broader social and psychological legacy.

This series is a culmination of my lifelong interests in art, history, costume, and psychology, The works combine elements, cultural symbols, and associations from Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Sephardic traditions, often melding male and female garments and accessories to raise questions about female empowerment or constriction. I often use the fez cap, traditionally male Ottoman headgear, as a structural base for storytelling to signify the foundation, and the patriarchal base, established by my grandfathers, who left Iraq for India to become traders of the hats in their adopted land.

The crafting of each piece is meticulous, and process-driven, integrating a range of materials and techniques to attain my visual concept. The designs combine digital photo-based collage, with textiles such as saris, hand-made papers, cast sculpture, trims, jewels, and embellishments; my methods include disassembling/re-working existing garments, hand-sewing and beading, and more.

My aim is to challenge perceptions, evoke emotions, and foster conversations about gender biases, cultural heritage and change.