Misbaḥa / The Prayer Beads / مسبحة

‘Misbaha / The Prayer Beads / مسبحة’ serves as a visual representation of Ayman Kaake’s identity and a reflection of his experience within a patriarchal Middle Eastern environment. The work explores the weight of societal expectations and the constraints placed upon LGBTQIA+ individuals.

By incorporating prayer beads as a symbol of concealing one’s true identity, Kaake conveys the pressures to conform to societal norms surrounding marriage, children, and the preservation of family names. In a world where homosexuality remains illegal in over 74 countries, the piece raises a poignant question: how far can a queer person go to fit social, political, and cultural norms in order to survive?

Download the room sheet for ‘Misbaha / The Prayer Beads / مسبحة’ by Ayman Kaake.

Accessibility information

This exhibition features video and sound content. Due to the varied sensory experience on display, this exhibition may be a difficult environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

For information about the accessibility of the Counihan Gallery venue, visit our Access and Inclusion page.

Ayman Kaake. Untitled (detail), 2024, inkjet print, 120 x 80 cm. Image courtesy of the artist

Contact

Counihan Gallery
Phone: 03 9389 8622
Email: CounihanGallery@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Further information

For exhibition updates you can follow the Counihan Gallery Instagram page. You can also  go to the Counihan Gallery Facebook page.

This exhibition is in the Middle Gallery.