Ricochet presents new work by leading Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem, alongside works by four young artists from The Abdulnasser Gharem Foundation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Shaweesh, Dhafer Alshehr, Aljan Gharem and Njoud Alanbari. Opening on 12 October to coincide with Frieze London, the exhibition centres on the theme ‘ricochet’; the implication that every action of a country’s authorities may cause direct and indirect chain reactions. Ricochet is the first international exhibition organised by the Foundation.
Abdulnasser Gharem is widely considered to be one of the most influential artists working in Saudi Arabia today. Drawing on his previous experience as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Saudi Arabian army, Gharem’s work reflects on themes of Islamic cultural identity and the need to remove itself from historical shackles to embrace modern day knowledge and thought. Gharem’s use of different forms of arabesques and geometric patterns are merged together to encourage unity in the Islamic world and to prevent the creation of barriers which lead to political disparity and social disruption.
Gharem will present a number of new works in the exhibition, including Mannequin (working title) which tackles the taboo subject of female nudity in the Arab World. The performative work shows 22 Saudi artists drawing from a plastic model of a naked woman. In this region, depictions of naked women, even in the form of mannequins, are strictly forbidden. The performance, which was filmed and will be on display in London, demonstrates the will of artists in the country to overcome barriers and engage with aesthetics at the core of art history. Gharem will also present new sculpture and a painting, titled Ricochet for which the exhibition takes its name, relating to the subject of war and ideology in the Muslim world.
Ricochet is a platform to showcase some of the forms of expression born out of Gharem Studio, in which members of the space formulate their vision of the local culture and its interactions with the rest of the world. Ricochet consists of various themes, all representing a creative force that opposes mainstream ideologies. These themes are expressed through different mediums of photography, sculpture, video art, art installations and performances.
Younger artists in the exhibition address the theme of ‘ricochet’ by using contemporary art to communicate their thoughts and hopes for a better future. Young street artist Shaweesh will present a new sculptural work in classical Roman style, and photographer Dhafer Alshehr will show six new images reflecting the French philosopher Gustave le Bon’s 'The Origin of Crowd Psychology'. Aljan Gharem will exhibit a video work from an installation in Saudi depicting a 10 x 30m cage that has been turned into a mosque, with performances drawn from the work of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. Finally, mixed media artist Njoud Alanbari, a teacher in an all-girls school in Riyadh, will present new work relating to the situation of women and education in Saudi Arabia.
No comments:
Post a Comment