The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

Ajyal (Generations)

Ajyal (Generations)

2012
(Emirati, b. 1989)
Sheet: 120 x 101 cm (47 1/4 x 39 3/4 in.); Framed: 119.4 x 137.8 x 5.8 cm (47 x 54 1/4 x 2 5/16 in.)
Location: not on view

Description

In this portrait, Demithan’s brother supports a tethered and hooded falcon while holding in his other hand the falcon’s food, a quail, behind their father’s outstretched arm, a metaphor for male elders passing their heritage to future generations. The black background and surreal presence of multiple limbs contribute to the photograph’s formal grandeur and symbolic significance. Symbols of Emirati culture and the most treasured birds of prey, falcons acquired aristocratic status by the medieval Islamic era, fuelled by increased pageantry, professional trainers, and the availability of exotic birds. Falconry probably originated in Central Asia or Iran at least 4,000 years ago.
  • Beyond Truth: Photography after the Shutter. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 10-May 26, 2019).
    Islamic art rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 18, 2014-December 14, 2015).
    Houston Center for Photography, March 14, 2014 - May 4, 2014.
  • {{cite web|title=Ajyal (Generations)|url=false|author=Maitha Demithan|year=2012|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2014.374