Unwritten Rules (Elalem – Dak li se jgħidu n-nies) is an exhibition by artist Ebru Çınar Erdoğan,
curated by Melanie Erixon, which reflects on the invisible yet powerful restrictions imposed on women through societal expectations.
At the heart of this exploration lies the concept of Elalem, literally “what people will say”, an unwritten authority that dictates behaviour and silently enforces conformity.
Growing up in Turkey, Erdoğan experienced how everyday life for young girls was framed by shame and prohibition. Ordinary acts such as going out at night, smoking, drinking or having male friends were deemed inappropriate for women, while accepted without question for men.
Instead, women were expected to remain indoors, seated beside their mothers, under the constant, unspoken surveillance of Elalem. These formative experiences became the foundation of her artistic reflections on gender, identity and freedom.
Over time, and particularly after moving abroad, Erdoğan recognised that these unwritten rules were not confined to her cultural background. Conversations with women from different countries, including Malta, revealed that similar pressures persist worldwide, cutting across religious or cultural lines. This recognition shifted her understanding: such rules are not about faith or tradition, but about controlling women’s autonomy.
“The social position of women in Malta has historically been shaped by a patriarchal system. Particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, traditional garments like the għonnella and the strong influence of the Catholic Church limited women’s roles in society, restricting their freedom over their own bodies and decisions. In preparing for the exhibition, I researched the invisible pressures and historical patterns affecting Maltese women in daily life. Through my works, I aim to make these hidden struggles and acts of resistance visible,” explains Erdoğan.
“I am deeply passionate about these issues because the shaping of women under societal pressures leads to long-term losses for both individuals and society,” she continues.
“During my childhood, it was often considered ‘shameful’ for young women to be outside late at night, with questions like ‘What will your father say?’ or ‘Are you a boy?’ These expressions reflect societal pressures that question a woman’s freedom and existence. These experiences inspired me to highlight the unseen struggles of young women in my art.
“As a mother, I care deeply about my daughter − and other young women − growing up as free individuals capable of making their own decisions. Art is a powerful way to raise awareness of these issues.”
As both an artist and a mother, Erdoğan questions how these inherited patterns continue to pass silently from one generation to the next. Through the traditional medium of embroidery, she transforms a symbol of patience and repetition into an act of resistance. Each stitch recalls the restrictions women are taught to accept, yet in reworking the thread, she reclaims the narrative, restitching possibilities of love, self-confidence, and liberation.
The works on show are mixed-media pieces combining embroidery, paper, and various fabrics: some are large-scale pieces that immerse the viewer whilst others are smaller, detailed works. Each piece tells a deep story both technically and conceptually, with every stitch and material choice carefully made to reinforce the message.
“The mood of the exhibition is both fragile and strong, and the palette and techniques reflect this. In my modern embroidery works, I use human figures and various symbols to create a contemporary language. In the cross-stitch pieces, traditional motifs and techniques are incorporated to convey a powerful message,” Erdoğan adds.
“The dominant colours are red and black; red represents emotion and passion, while black represents oppression and restriction. I hope visitors reflect on societal pressures, develop empathy and witness the unseen struggles of women. I want them to engage both intellectually and emotionally with the works.”
Unwritten Rules ultimately asks whether future generations can be freed from these inherited expectations and instead grow in environments shaped by freedom, expression and choice.
The exhibition runs from October 2 to 30 at Bizzilla Art Space, Mapfre MSV Life, Triq il-Mall, Floriana. It is curated by Melanie Erixon with support from Art Sweven, MAPFRE MSV LIFE and Wine Factor Malta.
