Exploring Identity Through Fashion

In his artistic exploration of identity, Shady Majlaton employs fashion as a powerful means of communication, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. He delves into the intricate layers of his personal and collective identity, encompassing aspects such as his place of residence, his nuclear family, his gender, and his social identity. Through his creative work, Majlaton sheds light on the inherent complexity of these facets, ultimately challenging the notion of rigid categorization.

Majlaton's unique life experiences have shaped his perspective, leading him to a profound realization: that any attempt, whether on a personal or societal level, to impose strict and inflexible categories is destined to fall short. He eloquently expresses this sentiment: "I have two mothers and I love them both as much, and this is true of identities as well... sometimes there's more than one definition."

One of his notable series, "Motherhood," pays tribute to the profound influence of his mothers and father on his identity. This collection includes wedding garments inspired by his parents' wedding attire, symbolizing the union of two individuals. Much like the dynamics within his nuclear family, these garments celebrate the beauty of individuality and, in the process, blur the conventional boundaries that society often imposes on categories such as gender, sex, religion, nationality, race, and color.

Throughout the intricate journey of deconstructing and reconstructing various facets of selfhood, Majlaton's unwavering connection to his Arab identity remains a constant thread. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of identity even in the face of profound transformation and challenges the notion that identity is solely defined by external labels. Shady Majlaton's work in the "Motherhood" series is a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving and complex nature of human identity, inviting viewers to question the limitations of traditional categorization and embrace the multifaceted beauty of selfhood.

[𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧, Photo ©The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Lior Horesh⁣]⁣⁣