courtesy of the estate of the artist and Galerie Lelong & Co. © The Estate of Etel Adnan / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, 2023
“Voices without Borders” presents an intimate dialogue between two influential voices from the Arab world, Etel Adnan and Simone Fattal. The exhibition, hosted at KINDL, is a testament to the multidisciplinary nature of their artistic and literary contributions. Notably, Adnan and Fattal were not only life partners but also feminist, political, and artistic collaborators, characterised by their radicality and belief in the power of words. The title, “Voices without Borders,” encapsulates their deep literary ties.
The exhibition marks a groundbreaking convergence of the duo’s extensive oeuvres, showcasing a diverse spectrum of paintings, fanfold works, tapestries, graphics, and sculptures. Within this collection, their interconnected lives and creative endeavours come to life. Notably, the exhibit sheds light on Fattal’s role in founding The Post-Apollo Press, a publishing house that published Adnan’s iconic anti-war novel “Sitt Marie Rose” in response to the Lebanese Civil War. Fattal’s dedication to publishing contemporary poetry became a beacon of support for authors from diverse regions.
Etel Adnan, a key figure in Arab modernism, was a poet, philosopher, and painter. Hailing from a multicultural background, she forged a profound connection between writing and painting. Her brushwork captured Mount Tamalpais as a central motif, a subject permeating her works. Adnan’s exploration of language and painting blurred over time, as seen in her fanfold creations that merged painting, calligraphy, and poetry. Her journey to grasp the essence of space and travel further enriched her artistic narrative.
Simone Fattal, an artist, translator, and publisher, has navigated her life through painting, sculpture, and poetry. Born in Damascus and raised in Beirut, she exhibited her paintings extensively in Lebanon. Fattal’s impact extended to founding The Post-Apollo Press, a vital platform for contemporary poetry, including Adnan’s impactful novel. Her migration to California sparked an evolution towards sculpture, resulting in a diverse repertoire of ceramic sculptures, prints, and collages drawing from Sumerian mythology, ancient Egyptian forms, and philosophy.
Their partnership began in Beirut in 1972 and blossomed throughout their lives, witnessing the upheaval of the Lebanese Civil War before their move to California in 1980.
Within the context of comprehensive monographic exhibitions in Germany dedicated to Etel Adnan’s work, the collaboration between Lenbachhaus in Munich, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, and KINDL led to an extensive publication. This compilation, featuring contributions from Sébastien Delot, Simone Fattal, and others, edited by Sébastien Delot, Susanne Gaensheimer, and Matthias Mühling, underscores Adnan’s artistic legacy. Published by Hirmer in Munich, it serves as an essential reference for comprehending the richness of Adnan’s creative journey.
About KINDL Berlin
Since 2016, the KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art has been a platform for dynamic temporary exhibitions showcasing international contemporary art. The institution’s programming extends beyond traditional mediums like painting, sculpture, installations, and performance, embracing the realm of film and video presentations. Functioning as a hub for both creation and dialogue, the KINDL actively responds to evolving artistic trends while offering a space for the production and discourse of contemporary art. Their exhibition initiatives are complemented by a robust discursive agenda and educational initiatives, all aimed at enriching ongoing conversations. In February 2020, Kathrin Becker assumed the role of artistic director, succeeding founding director Andreas Fiedler. Becker’s curatorial focus centres on the interplay between societal concerns and art as a communicative arena that facilitates a critical examination of the multifaceted aspects of our globalised present.
Location: KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art, Am Sudhaus 3, 12053, Berlin
Date: 27 August 2023 – 1 January 2024