In celebration of the recent triumphs of Syrian-Palestinian artist Sawsan Al Bahar, Firetti Contemporary presents an exhibition that highlights her latest creations alongside selected pieces from previous years, showcasing her prowess in both drawing and installation art.
Born in Damascus and raised in the UAE, Sawsan is a versatile artist, donning the roles of artist, architect, and researcher. After completing her Bachelor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah in 2013, Sawsan embarked on establishing her artistic practice in Dubai, with a focus on the conceptualisation of home as a myth. Her artistic oeuvre delves into the nuanced ways in which history weaves into personal narratives, often centring around her own life and family history. Employing a diverse array of mediums such as drawings, prints, installations, digital scans, and text, she forges a profound connection with her past, homeland, culture, language, family, and, ultimately, her identity.
Sawsan Al Bahar’s trajectory reached new heights in September 2022 with her inaugural solo exhibition, “Talaliya,” at Firetti Contemporary. The following month, she garnered acclaim by winning the Massimiliano Galliani Prize for Drawing under 35 at Art Verona, a recognition in collaboration with Firetti Contemporary, showcased in the curated booth section titled “The Continuous Line That Binds Us Together,” curated by Sonya Stepyan. This accolade paved the way for a joint exhibition at the prestigious Casa Cavezzi in Montecchio Emilia, Italy, held in May 2023.
At present, Sawsan stands as the featured artist in her solo exhibition, “33 Songs, 99 Words,” at Maraya Art Center in Sharjah, UAE, running until January 11, 2024. Simultaneously, her work is on display at Firetti Contemporary as part of their presentation, “Breaking Boundaries II,” in collaboration with Dubai Culture for the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale.
Looking forward, Sawsan Al Bahar is gearing up for participation in Art Abu Dhabi scheduled for November this year and is slated to contribute to a group exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, featuring artists shortlisted for the “Richard Mille Art Prize.” Her dynamic and multi-dimensional artistic journey continues to captivate audiences on both national and international stages.
Location: Firetti Contemporary, Dubai
Dates: 20 November – 20 December, 2023