Curation: "the art of integrating art works in the space they live in"
'Thread of Light' Art Exhibition:
This exhibition was born from the need to tell a story focused on the lives and creativity of the people of the Middle East... by showcasing the talent of emerging and established artists. We looked for a highly individual, subtle voice commenting on what is happening in the region today. We brought together established artists such as Hassan Hajjaj, Hanaa Malallah and Kennardphillips with more emerging artists, in translating this concept over 300m2 at the P21 Gallery London.
In providing a window to these creative minds the exhibition succeeded in providing an alternative image and story to how the region is often stereotyped by the media and Hollywood.
Special thanks to Joud Tamimi Halawani for her valuable assistance.
left to right: 'Moments of Expulsion' ©Jo Scorah, 'Material Matters' ©Ozlem Demirel, 'Eve with a Pencil' ©Asmaa Alanbari
'Foreign Bodies' ©Souheil Sleiman (front) address environmental problems as well as the ongoing refugee crisis. The plastic bags seemingly abandoned at sea come alive by inflating and deflating throughout the day, in consequence with changes in ambient temperature.
from 'Le Salon' series ©Hassan Hajjaj
close up view of 'Moments of Expulsion' installation © Jo Scorah
'Draw Me Close' © Dia Batal (left installation) and 'Not in My Name' ©Asmaa Alanbari (right)
This space made up of stairs and a ramp initially appeared difficult to use. It became interesting as the steps were treated as a small scale theatre showing the 'Transcend Boundaries' video projection © Helen Kirwan. The high wall visible from both floors hosted the installation 'Draw Me Close' © Dia Batal
video projection of 'Drone and Ziggurat of Ur' ©Hanaa Malallah
Exhibition entrance
foreground installation: 'Playing on the Beach is a Dangerous Discourse' ©Dia Batal
background wall: left to right: ‘Eve with Pencil' ©Asmaa Alanbari, 'Sayed' and 'Badr' ©Estabrak Al Ansari
Low lying objects and installations optimise a room with low ceiling height, and vertical objects can be used to suggest an itinerary to visitors. Transparent walls carry the eye out of the room towards the next piece (Moments of Expulsion © Jo Scorah. 'This is Not a Table' © Dia Batal (foreground), 'Foreign Bodies' © Souheil Sleiman (central floor installation)