Dina Suliman
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Throughout the process of painting this piece I had no vision, direction or expectation. Yet, I painted it with the intent, precision and patience of a surgeon.
After completing it, I dug really deep into my psyche to gauge my stimulus for it. The more I studied it, the more I saw. Dragons, stallions, lions and monstrous centipedes racing, in sensual harmony and blinding dynamism. A submerged world birthing new breeds of life. Three women. A long winded forestial walkway roamed by magic.
I vividly recall childhood memories of cosy coffee reading evening in our Cairo home. My mother would serve a particular type of coffee to close family in tiny pretty cups. And just when there is enough coffee residue left, not too little, not too much, and in just the right consistency, she would flip the cups face down. And so begins the wait for fortunes to be written on cup walls. As the coffee residue descends from the bottom up, it leaves traces of coffee grounds, like hand drawn patterns. Once dry, mama would pick up the cups, studying, rotating, studying, with expression of shock, concern and joy. And off she goes interpreting the patterns and telling tales. An ancient practice known as tasseography.
Certain shapes convey certain meanings. A whale, imminent wealth and fortunes. A snake, an evil person posing imminent threat. A candle, truth soon to be uncovered. Etcetera.
My mother has long stopped reading coffee cups as it is against her religion in which only god can foresee the future.
Personally, and irrespective of religion, I could not believe any less in any and all superstitious practices. Except maybe for fun and in utter concious disbelief. Maybe not!
Above all, what I find just intolerable is so called fortune tellers monetising their "super powers" in full knowledge that payers take their "prophecies" for the truth, and act upon them. Infuriating.
My views today do not change my fond memories or make them any less mine.
I see in the Fortune Seller patterned inner walls of a coffee cup. Subject to interpretation. Free of charge.