The artwork incorporates ink on paper, a stamp and archived photographs to create an intricate collage. Both highlighted the struggles that are engraved within different races and genders.īy presenting the dynamic connection between racism and sexism that were promoted by early 20th century propaganda, the artwork shows the shift of powers to favor those who are regarded as unlucky to ultimately empower them. For this series, Deghady chose to work with women while Alfadni decided to work with the dark skinned. “I am trying to tell the story of the unspoken history, the side of history no one talks about,” Alfadni said. Deghady and Alfadni chose to think of the people who are born unlucky and are instantly stamped with a negative imprint. As a result, anyone who was caught with an Ace of Spade would be instantly prosecuted with the death penalty.Įventually, the Ace of Spades was known as the “unlucky card”. This triggered another underground movement of reprinting the Ace of Spade. The card is later stamped to show that the tax has been paid. People would have to pay a ‘Jizya’ or a tax to be able to receive the Ace of Spade for a complete deck. Taking advantage of the presented opportunity, the king at the time took over the Ace of Spades for monetization. Cards were later legalized after the elites expressed an interest in them.Īmado Alfadni’s art work. The church has banned poker cards at the time which led to the spark of an underground movement. I found out that it went with the Mamluk soldiers,” Deghady explained.īecause it was introduced in Europe through soldiers, poker cards were associated with death. “It all started with me doing research about poker cards and how it went to Europe. The Ace of Spade is known for being unlucky. Inspired by the rich history of the “Ace of Spades,” Egyptian artist Shatha al-Deghady and Sudanese artist Amado Alfadni collaborated in an exhibition organized by Soma Art Gallery on a conceptual monoprint series. CAIRO - 14 September 2017: 'Ace of Spades' exhibition at Soma Art School and Gallery rebrands history through those who have been downtrodden.

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