Suzanne Kanatsiz: Writing the Written
The UAE is a land of austerity, strong forms and the calligraphic, visual language of Arabic. This landscape staged the trajectory of ‘Writing the Written’; a series of twelve individual works created in the last six months in Al Ain. Light, geologic time and the continual exchange of the built form with erosion and collapse inform the visual vocabulary used in these works. Intuitively-driven, repetitive marks build up forms with intense presence, calling the viewer to enter into a layered dialogue. ‘Writing the Written’ is an epitome of the paradoxical language of inner and outer landscape, collective time and the individual gesture. Concentric rings and circles are prominent in the visual vocabulary combined with text, transparency and repetition. Classical Arabic enters the work through its exquisite form and geometry. As a formal element, the calligraphic text intends to engage one visually rather than literally, though at times verses are used from the Qur’an.
References to cycles, memory and the subconscious are suggested, seeking to elicit a deeply contemplative response. Essentially, a number of interpretations are possible within the conceptual foundation.
Anoma Wijewardene: Earth, rise within us
An abstract reflection on the fragile and tenuous coexistence of man and nature, the many layered installation echoes the several levels of man’s relationship with earth. The progression of the panels hints at our journey on earth. Surrounded and immersed within the installation we see ourselves reflected, and become yet another layer of the installation and perhaps can reflect on how deeply bound we are to the only planet in the universe we can inhabit. We already face the possibility of one whole nation becoming climate change refugees; and the escalating catastrophies we are now experiencing may only be the tip of the iceberg. Embracing and protecting this fragile earth of ours is surely the greatest challenge of our time.
Julia Townsend: Things That Go In, Out, Back, Up, and Around
Primarily a painting exhibition, Julia Townsend’s exhibition also includes mixed media sculpture, installations and a short animation with Rahul Malpure, developed from of one of her own paintings. Julia Townsend describes her work saying:
‘The show is about visual prepositions to connect shapes and figures, from post-pop cartoon imagery to pattern motifs (some from Islamic traditions) to abstract expressionism. Themes come from literature and contemporary events, as well as human interactions or frustrations. I pre-position the objects, the marks, thus posing the problem. Then, the task is to plug away until the right layers, relationships, and connections are established. At times, my work becomes a stream of consciousness. This is how I process and ‘organize’ the chaos and uncertainty of existence, and a world full of amazing details. My characters are often caught with a sense of awe and wonder.‘
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