Rad Hourani's "HEEL" series delves into the evolution of the heel as both a functional component and a symbol of societal constructs. The heel, an element of footwear, serves as a metaphor for how humans define themselves through objects. This body of work examines the historical and cultural significance of the heel, uncovering insights into our preconceptions, the evolution of an everyday object, and the way we perceive identity and functionality.

Historically, the heel was initially created to meet practical needs, such as aiding horseback riders in holding their feet in stirrups. Its association with wealth and nobility emerged later, enforced by certain kings who mandated heel wear at their courts, regardless of gender. As societal norms shifted, the heel became feminized, symbolizing female objectification as it vanished from masculine wardrobes. Industrialization transformed the heel into a commodity available in diverse shapes, colors, materials, and forms. Despite its unisex history, the heel is predominantly viewed as a women's accessory today, emphasizing aesthetics over functionality.

The "HEEL" series features sculptures that reimagine the heel as free-standing architectural structures, stripping away its conventional associations with gender notions. By presenting the heel as a sculptural form, Rad dismantles its functional constraints, inviting contemplation on its broader significance. These sculptures, presented as prisms, symbolize the metaphorical boundaries created by societal and cultural baggage. Shell-free, these forms confront us with the illusion of a box, an allegory for our innate need for categorization.

Each facet of the sculptures reflects our tendency to confine elements within defined perceptions. By creating cubic forms, Rad seeks to transcend these limitations, offering a vision of the heel as a neutral shape that defies time. This artistic undressing invites contemplation and self-deprogramming, prompting us to question the walls of our mental boxes and consider how we can abolish barriers to liberate our conscience.

Through meticulous examination of the heel's origins and its integration into different forms and functions, Rad reveals its genetics, emphasizing its transformation from a practical tool to a symbol of social and cultural significance to a work of art. By returning to the basis of these precepts, Rad aims to foster greater awareness of our preconceptions and the ways in which objects shape our identities.

The artwork invites a critical dialogue on the broader implications of societal constructs and identity, serving as a catalyst for introspection and encouraging us to reflect on the arbitrary boundaries that define our lives. By confronting these constructs, Rad advocates for a future where individuals are free from societal expectations and can fully embrace their true selves. By stripping the heel of its traditional connotations, Rad highlights the fluidity of meaning and the power of objects to reflect and redefine identity. The neutral, timeless shapes of the sculptures encourage reconsideration of perceptions and embrace a more liberated understanding of self and society.

Through "HEEL," Rad Hourani paves the way for a more liberated understanding of identity and self-expression. The series challenges us to rethink our relationship with everyday objects and consider how they influence our perceptions of ourselves and others. By questioning preconceived notions, Rad's work fosters an appreciation for the complexity and fluidity of identity in the modern world.

© RAD HOURANI

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