“While much of my curation focuses on the ancient stones and alleyways of the Levant, I have always believed that a city is nothing without its people. When I first saw this piece, the title I am NOT a stranger resonated deep within me. It doesn’t just show a face; it captures a raw, unfiltered human soul that feels instantly familiar.

The artist has used an incredibly heavy, almost aggressive impasto technique. The features aren’t delicately painted with a brush; they are carved and sculpted out of thick layers of oil. I am mesmerized by the brilliant, jarring contrast between the bright, ethereal yellow-green background and the heavy, shadowed purples and fiery oranges of the face. It creates a profound sense of tension, depth, and vulnerability.

I chose this piece as a defining anchor for our Travelling Souls collection because it strips away all the barriers we build between ourselves and others. The figure is abstract enough to be anyone, yet expressive enough to make you feel deeply understood. It stands as a powerful, quiet reminder of our shared humanity.”