The female nude is nothing new to the art world. Art history has seen centuries of women portrayed in such fashion; from the languid and vulnerable to the sensual and stoic. "Les Femmes Du Maroc," the current exhibition at Schneider Gallery challenges such traditional views, featuring new work by Moroccan born artist Lalla A. Essaydi, who also lives in the United States. This her fourth show at the River North Gallery, Schneider has represented Essaydi's work since 2003.

Essaydi's photographic narrative references historic imagery but explores issues of power, gender, and identity. The large format photographs have a natural and subdued palette, reflective of the landscape in the East. The body of work is both personal and rebellious. Essaydi pushes the boundaries of her Moroccan roots using symbols and traditions from Islamic culture to reinvent the modern Arab woman. The women are seditious and sensual; their gaze is direct and poignant, in stark contrast to depictions by Western painters and Orientalist scenes.

Above: Outdoor Gossip, C-print, edition 2/15,

40 x 30 inches, courtesy of Schneider Gallery

The Grand Odalisque, C-print, edition 3/15, 30 x 40 inches, courtesy of Schneider Gallery.

Islamic calligraphy encompasses each frame and the technique of henna is applied to all exposed skin. The billowing fabrics that drape each figure are also used as the backdrop creating a seesaw of expression and repression. The struggle for identity is central in these photographs as Essaydi upsets the idealistic Western view of women in her culture. The Grand Odealisque (2008) references the mastery of Jean-August-Dominique Ingres's iconic portrait of the same name but confronts the conventional male interpretation. Essaydi presents women of beauty, confidence and strength. Lost are the slave-like harem scenes of art's historical past and Essaydi reveals women anew for the 21st Century. "Les Femmes Du Maroc" is on view until June 20, 2009.

"In my art, I wish to present myself through multiple lenses - as artist, as Moroccan, as Saudi, as traditionalist, as Liberal, as Muslim. In short, I invite viewers to resist stereotypes." -Lalla Essaydi's statement for "Les Femmes Du Maroc."

--Robyn Farrell Roulo

Related: Abraham Ritchie goes to the Art Institute of Chicago and finds historical sources that fuel Essaydi's work.

(Top image: Harem Beauty (2008), C-print, edition 2/15, 40 x 30 inches (each panel), courtesy of Schneider Gallery)