General Sector | Booth A9
Firetti Contemporary brings forth four women artists from the Middle East, spanning three different generations. While forging their individual paths, these artists unite to challenge prevailing narratives and shed light on pressing issues. Their works delve into the complexities of identity, memory, and resilience. Through their unique artistic journeys, each artist reflects on personal and collective histories, interweaving narratives of trauma, displacement, and cultural heritage.
Her Home, Her Identity celebrates these women artists who draw upon their culture, homeland, and experiences to create compelling works of art. This exhibition not only showcases their individual talents but also underscores the collective strength and resilience of women in the MENA region.
The paintings by Lebanese-Armenian artist Annie Kurkdjian are a “breathing tragedy” that interrogates life itself, compelling viewers to contemplate the process of creation. Through her works, Kurkdjian depicts the trauma caused by sixteen years of civil war in her homeland, Beirut, Lebanon, and the trauma of the Armenian genocide experienced through her grandmother’s history. Her childhood was marked by the noise of bombs, terror, permanent insecurity, and the inconsistency of ordinary things.
Syrian-Palestinian artist Sawsan Al Bahar combines contemporary architectural production processes with traditional art techniques to explore the meaning of time for the people of the Middle East. Her drawings evoke nostalgia and longing, bridging past and present through depictions of domestic objects and places. Using graphite, she creates haunting images that hint at human presence through subtle traces, inviting viewers to uncover connections to bygone eras.
Salmah Almansoori's multidisciplinary practice explores how places and memories intersect, prompting viewers to ponder identity in a changing world. She believes that places hold emotions and thoughts, shaping our sense of self. Almansoori collects memories through various mediums, influenced by her hometown of Ghayathi and the UAE's landscapes.
Negin Fallah's works reflect a profound exploration of traditional Iranian art forms through a global lens, shaped by her travels to the UAE, Lebanon, India, and Turkey. Her early fascination with architecture and figurative drawing now infuses her art with a unique dialogue between chaos and harmony, presence and absence, creation and destruction. Her creations delve into themes of human behavior, psychology, naturalism, philosophy, literature, and mythology, offering a rich tapestry that bridges historical and contemporary influences while probing the depths of cultural and existential inquiry.
Patrons and Collectors Preview: 19th Septmeber 2024
Open to the Public: 20th to 22nd Septmeber 2024
