Her Sanctuary

Installation, palm woven rug with Teta’s buttons, handmade books, coffee and dates

Camouflage, or cryptic coloration, is a defense mechanism where organisms blend with their surroundings. In this piece, a woman dressed in colors inspired by the Arabian desert rose (soft sage greens and baby pinks) spreads her butterfly wings, creating an inviting space.

A sign outside reads: “No men allowed.”

Inside, a mural made of Teta’s hand-sewn buttons depicts Leena and Teta drinking coffee. Surrounding the 100-year-old carpet are Teta’s sewing jars filled with beads and buttons. The centerpiece is a handmade book about the history of coffee, told from Teta’s perspective.