Athr Gallery Solo Exhibitions
The Athr Gallery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is currently hosting three independently curated solo shows until April 2023, featuring the works of two Saudi nationals, Daniah Al-Saleh and Asma Bahmim, and one Kuwaiti national, Farah Behbehani. The exhibition is set to captivate visitors with a variety of art styles, each unique and showcasing the individual artistic flair of each artist.
Daniah Al-Saleh’s show, titled “Keep Smiling,” explores the use of emojis as non-verbal symbols in modern communication and questions their effectiveness in communicating emotions and messages. The exhibition highlights how the use of emojis has become an integral part of our daily lives, with people relying on them to convey their emotions, thoughts, and messages. Al-Saleh’s work prompts viewers to ponder whether the use of emojis can fully express what we feel and think, or if it has limits in effectively conveying our messages.
Asma Bahmim’s show, titled “Fantasia: A World Between Reality and Imagination,” uses animals to generate fictional dialogues and highlights the tradition of storytelling. The exhibition features works that highlight the imaginative capacity of animals and the storytelling tradition that has been passed down for generations. Bahmim’s work invites visitors to delve into the world of fiction, imagination, and storytelling.
Farah Behbehani’s show, titled “And Make Me Light,” is inspired by Islamic cultural forms and features calligraphic designs based on Qur’anic verses, poetry, and prose. Behbehani has been using Islamic cultural forms and Arabic words as inspiration for decades and is a celebrated artist in the region. Her exhibition highlights the beauty of Islamic art and the importance of keeping traditional art forms alive. In addition to her solo show, Behbehani is participating in the Islamic Arts Biennale with her “Path of Light” three-paneled kinetic piece, which showcases her creativity and innovation.
The opening of the three solo shows coincides with the opening program of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2023 at the Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah. The Athr Gallery has partnered with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation to reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to supporting the arts. The exhibition aims to promote contemporary art in the region and provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.
Athr Gallery Solo Exhibitions
Location: Jeddah, Western Hajj Terminal
Duration: January – April 2023