Yesterday, I witnessed a couple interlocked on the Corniche – the boardwalk in Jeddah, watching the waves as they hit the rocky shore. Passersby seemed not to even notice this subtle, yet unusual display of public affection. In Saudi Arabia, a Kingdom deeply rooted in Sharia law, such overt intimacy has always been considered taboo.

Artist Jenine Sharabi poses the question of whether this is still the case, with a series of illustrations that show exaggerated displays of affection of a Middle Eastern couple in their public garb.

The Kiss

In Your Arms

Tango

Piggyback