SULTANA ISABEL
A Textile Art installation depicting the outsized and overlooked impact Arabs and Muslims had in the growing wealth and power of the Kingdom of England in the Elizabethan era. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth ā initiated trade alliances with the Morrocan Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire which introduced new flavours, colours and textures to England, such as indigo, turmeric and sugar. In this piece they are reimagined as elements intertwined with Elizabeth Iās elaborate neck ruffs.
The display is inspired by the interior of the Drury Lane Theatre, where Irene was first performed. The semi-circular shape of the display is both a representation of the crescent and a nod to the layout of the theatre. The neck ruff is positioned intentionally to create the illusion of a staged performance.
