Arab artists break down barriers at Berlin Wall exhibition
Five Arab artists are taking part in an exhibition in Germany, which runs from Sept. 12 to Jan. 19, marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. “Walking Through Walls” showcases works by Arab artists Tagreed Darghouth, Zahrah Al-Ghamdi, Mona Hatoum, Nadia Kaabi-Linke and Reem Al-Nasser, along with 23 other international artists.
The exhibition includes a broad range of paintings, films, photography, sound installations, sculptures and performances.
The gallery has been constructed around three interwoven concepts.
First, the exhibition displays art pieces that examine the physical presence of walls and how they function as sites of separation. Secondly, it reflects on the impact that physical and metaphorical walls have on those who live around them. Finally, it portrays the struggles that overcome existing divisions.
Lebanese painter Darghouth observes themes ranging from war, cosmetic surgery and the impact that foreign and domestic workers have on Lebanese mother-child relationships. Saudi-born Al-Ghamdi, who is also a faculty member of the Islamic Arts Department at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, has recently presented her work at Jeddah’s Athr Gallery.
With her art, she assembles particles of Earth — clay, rocks, leather and water — to translate themes of cultural identity, memory and loss.
London-based Palestinian Hatoum was born in Beirut. Her work shows the use of grids or geometric forms to reference political systems of control within society. She also makes sculptures and installations using household items.
Tunis-born Kaabi-Linke produces art that relates to places and their histories. Making use of many different artefacts, symbols and codes, her work is intertwined with socio-psychological topics: Perception, memory, and geographically and politically constructed identities.
Saudi artist Al-Nasser is inspired by personal experiences and close observations of movement, mobility and cultural change.
With photography, graffiti, video and sound installations, her work communicates untold stories.