LEILA NSEIR
ISTORIA: A RETROSPECTIVE REIMAGINING MIDDLE EASTERN FEMINISM
18 SEP – 12 NOV 2024
“Being a woman is my core, but femininity is not.” – Leila Nseir
Historically, women have been both subjects and creators of art, from The Venus of Willendorf to Nefertiti to Tamara De Lempicka and beyond. Reverence for female physicality alongside admiration of qualities traditionally associated with women—courage, victory, and grace—profoundly broadened and challenged prevailing narratives and norms.
Born in the core of the Middle East, Leila Nseir’s art is a vibrant testament to the rich tapestry of her culture. Her art was deeply rooted in humanist concerns and feminist thought, addressing themes of conflict, inequality, and poverty. Nseir’s career was impacted by gender persecution and patriarchal attitudes, both within her close-knit and broader communities. Nseir’s intentional reinterpretation of historical forms demonstrates a distinctive fusion of intimacy, complexity, and human suffering.
THAIER HELAL
NAVIGATING THROUGH NOTHING
14 NOV – 5 JAN 2024
In his influential work, The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus examines the search for meaning in an irrational universe, laying the groundwork for the philosophy of absurdism. His ideas emerge as a response to humanity’s persistent effort to find significance in a reality that lacks inherent purpose. Camus argues that individuals must face and accept the absurdity of existence, recognizing the tension between our longing for meaning and a world that provides no definitive answers. Nowadays, one can contend that the philosophies of absurdism and nihilism encapsulate modern artistic expression, demonstrating their capacity to challenge conventional values and convey human experiences.
This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s evolution. Initially, Helal’s works were tightly bound by a grid-like structure, showcasing a systematic approach. Later, the use of heavier materials, such as papier-mâché, revealed the liability of that weight, both physically and metaphorically. Eventually, he began to liberate his expression, embracing a more fluid technique that produces authenticity in immediacy. This evolution has allowed him to strip away the constraints of his previous methods, resulting in a more straightforward yet deeply expressive style.
About Ayyam Gallery
Founded in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is a leading arts organisation that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists. A blue-chip art space in Dubai, a series of collaborative projects in the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, and a multinational non-profit arts programme have furthered the gallery’s mandate of expanding the parameters of international art. With its widely respected multilingual publishing division and a custodianship programme that manages the estates of pioneering artists, Ayyam Gallery has also contributed to recent efforts that document underrepresented facets of global art history.
(Source: https://www.ayyamgallery.com/contact/)
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Saturday, 12pm - 6pm
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