Rad Hourani's "SELF-TITLING" delves into the intricate interplay between self-representation and societal interactions, challenging entrenched norms of self-naming. Rooted in a transformative vision of self-identity, the series probes the complexities of personal agency amidst societal discourse, exploring identity dynamics in a categorically driven world.

Spanning text, typography, print art, and sculpture, "SELF-TITLING" thoroughly examines identity politics in the contemporary landscape. Through juxtaposed textual elements, Rad challenges societal conventions while expanding the discourse on personal autonomy. This body of work defies artistic boundaries, advocating for a deeper understanding of selfhood through themes of visibility, recognition, and self-assertion.

Rad's insights into the art market, gleaned from engagements at art fairs, auctions, and exhibition openings, inform "SELF-TITLING" as a critique of how collectors and gallerists construct their identities through nationalities and socioeconomic markers. This introspective lens prompts a reevaluation of art's purpose amidst the backdrop of self-promoted societal categorizations.

Each self-titled artwork is numbered in decreasing order, referencing the most spoken languages worldwide and symbolizing common country-specific gendered names and highest-paying positions. This deliberate approach transforms the act of buying or selling art into a curated self-portrait, blurring the boundaries between artistic expression and market-driven commodification. Rad questions whether art serves as a conduit for boundless expression or merely as a commodity tailored to varying social statuses. By treating the buyer or seller as the composed work of art itself in a form of self-titled advertisement, the series raises questions about the nature of art versus market-driven decoration. Each piece intertwines textual and conceptual artistry to highlight normative narratives of privilege, prompting reflection on the fluidity and depth of self-perception and prompting a confrontation with the multidimensional layers that shape individual identities.

By reevaluating the relationship between identity and artistic consumption, "SELF-TITLING" ignites a critical dialogue on how economic norms shape the production and reception of art. Rad Hourani's series stands as a beacon of introspection, encouraging an examination of the societal constructs that define and confine our understanding of self and art.

© RAD HOURANI

All rights reserved. No part of any information, images, or artwork located within this site may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted without the permission of the copyright owner.