A dual portrait, 2 is ambiguous in its depiction of two female faces. Whilst the first, closest to the picture plane, stares outward with a pensive expression of concern, a secondary portrait turns inwards, smiling. This face seems to express delight as she raises her hand to meet her smirk. Fused horizontally these two portraits can be read as one and the same character – a Jekyll and Hyde differentiation of personalities and moral compasses. This differentiation is emphasised by stylistic echoes of early Roman portraiture, with the white clothes of the figure in the foreground suggesting a toga, and her side profile depiction recalling coin portraiture. 

The artist was moved to create this work upon discovering that her close friend had been talking badly about her behind her back. While hurt by this news Iman was also, in some way, delighted – the fact that her friend felt the need to gossip about her indicated that Iman was on her mind. This conflicting set of emotions is evoked succinctly by Iman, indicating her ability to produce pictures rooted in private moments that also speak to universal human experiences.

Ulviyya Iman (b. 2007) is a multidisciplinary artist from Azerbaijan currently based in Prague, Czech Republic. Exploring themes of local daily scenes, she often highlights gender roles in society. Iman garners inspiration from her trips to the regions of Azerbaijan, working both from memory and imagination. In her paintings of bright characters and food, Ulviyya explores the everyday iconography of contemporary society. As an emerging artist, Iman exhibits the potential to make a lasting impact on both the Azerbaijani and global art landscapes. Her work has featured in Art Dubai (2025) a group exhibition Once a Sea, YARAT, Baku (2025) and Her Art In Action, Gazelli Art House, Baku (2024).