A T T A C H E M E N T
-  2022

Research psychologists have categorized four different attachment styles in adult intimate relationships that take shape in childhood and function throughout life. Rad Hourani draws inspiration from this in creating a series of four sculptures. In using objects equated with that of physical protection and in connection with the psychological attachment styles of individuals, the crossover between theoretical notion and that of real life implications is made possible.

A “secure” individual acts by counting on the love and support of others in times of need. They are comfortable with intimacy, commitment and connectedness and have great flexibility, good listening skills and positive communication practices. They are comfortable with their sexuality and are in harmony with themselves and those around them. It is the repetitive pattern created by the belt buckles in “SECURE” that further evokes a relationship based on balanced exchanges and openness. As belt buckles are traditionally used to attach two ends, the solid metal object is made to restore feelings of confidence, protection and security.

An “avoidant” individual struggles with vulnerability, in order to protect themselves from potential injury. Avoiding conflict, they prefer long-distance relationships so as to maintain their independence. Often dissatisfied with their marital relationship and comfortable in non-committal sexual activities, they tend to lack expressions of tenderness. ”AVOID” highlights our use of gloves, which act as protection from potential harm. Worn as a pair, but presented as separates, the analogy of an uncommitted couple materializes itself. Here, the fingers do not cross, illustrating one’s lack to depend, whilst the covered hands represent the inability to reveal oneself and express emotion.

As for the “anxious” individual, they are in constant need of attention, affection and desire the approval of others. Yearning for reassurance, they seek sexual intimacy. Albeit oftentimes found in relationships, most remain unsatisfied by their choice in partner. The zipper in “ATTACH” depicts the contradiction between the state of being single or in a couple and the signs of dependence, expressing one’s anxiety of abandonment. A zipper is an intricate and cluttered device, similar to an individual’s inner struggle with emotion, often revealing in an excessive and invasive way, evoking a reluctance to listen, whilst being hyper-vigilant  to signs of conflict as a possibility of rupture.

The “fearful” shows people owning a self-worth absent of merit, affecting their ability to be assertive and loved. Keeping their partner at a distance, they fear rejection and lack trust and comfort in intimate relations. “HIDE” opts for epaulettes, an ornament once invented for the purpose of fighting, further projecting an image of power. The shoulder pads aim not only to protect the physical body, but also the psyche of those individuals who do not believe in themselves as competent beings able to support their partner. Applied in layers, epaulettes symbolize a camouflage of emotions, respective to their deep fear of closeness and their inability to confide. Further used in battle, epaulettes embody an introvert’s tendency to compensate for poor communication skills and anticipation of rejection with violence.

These four artworks further inspire questions of:

- Whether humans are born universally neutral, prior to facing interactions eliciting positive and negative consequences ?

- Whether individuals are able to identify with multiple attachment styles at once, with some still not recognized by psychologists ?

- The possibility to evolve in a secure environment without occurrences of instability and prolonged negative experiences? If not, is it achievable to reverse all adverse effects induced by unfortunate circumstances ?

- The media’s effect on children’s attachment status, by means of the constant portrayal of threatening news? Does a parent’s absence affect a child’s development, when overworked and unable to provide a consistent upbringing ?

- Whether an optimal attachment style is attainable when aware of our different protective tendencies? If further possible to restructure the concept of a neutral mentality ?

Ultimately, a reflection on the automatism that exists in society by categorizing people with divisive psycho-social-cultural labels, Rad Hourani frames the artworks so as to retain a symbol of the programmed interactions that govern our daily lives.

© 2022 RAD HOURANI

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