Look: “Wish to be Happy, I Want to be Yellow” group exhibition at Gallery Isabelle

Iran Art: Azadeh Jafarian: From September 10 to October 26, 2024, Gallery Isabelle in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, hosts the thought-provoking group exhibition “Wish to be Happy, I Want to be Yellow,” curated by Jad Karam. This exhibition showcases the works of artists who foster deep connections with nature, exploring themes of disembodiment and re-embodiment.

The exhibition features an eclectic group of artists: Mohammad Alfaraj, Aminah Al Huqail, Dalia Baassiri, Richi Bhatia, Jumairy, Tamara Kalo, Adrian Pepe, and Alia Zaal. Together, they blur the lines between presence and absence, highlighting the fluidity of existence as they create works that invite viewers to consider the interconnectedness of the human experience and the natural world.

The exhibition draws inspiration from Robert Jay Lifton’s concept of the “protean self,” suggesting that we are evolving into beings that adapt to the complexities of modern life. Artists use a variety of mediums, including installations, photography, and textiles, to challenge traditional notions of being, often incorporating ephemeral materials like food, twigs, and candle wax. This focus on impermanence reflects both the vulnerability of the body and the weight of the world around us.

Adrian Pepe’s piece, Nervous Bodies (2024), captivates with its playful yet poignant exploration of human and animal forms. His ceiling-to-floor tulle scroll features embroidered silhouettes that evoke both dissection and transformation, illustrating the intricate relationships between species.

Alia Zaal immerses viewers in the beauty of the Ghat tree through her expressive paintings. Her work embodies resilience, capturing the interplay of reality and dreams while showcasing the enduring nature of her surroundings.

Aminah Al Huqail engages with communal traditions through her papermaking, using food waste to create layered works that reflect the collective experience of Arabic foodways. Her pieces invite dialogue around identity and leisure, merging personal history with broader cultural narratives.

Dalia Baassiri, like an alchemist, transforms everyday remnants into complex representations of nature. Her series, When the Season Returns, weaves together memory and materiality, illustrating the interconnectedness of past and present.

Jumairy’s exploration of memory and identity resonates through works like Uncertain Past, Uncertain Future (2013), where dead ants symbolize the fragility of recollection. His self-portraits and paintings delve into themes of sacrifice and transformation, encapsulating the essence of time.

Mohammad Alfaraj reflects on environmental vulnerability, using burnt palm charcoal to create emotive representations of nature that mirror human emotions. His work illustrates the profound connection between personal experiences and the natural landscape.

Richi Bhatia’s ritualistic walks to the market inspire her mixed-media installations, where decaying organic materials serve as commentary on transformation and the passage of time. Her fractured drawings further echo the fluidity of identity and existence.

Tamara Kalo’s exploration of impermanence manifests in her photography and textiles, capturing the essence of change and the significance of home. Her works act as a tribute to the transitory nature of life and memory.

Overall, “Wish to be Happy, I Want to be Yellow” engages viewers in a dynamic dialogue about nature, identity, and the ongoing transformation of self. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between our bodies and the world, inviting us to reflect on our place within the natural landscape. Don’t miss this compelling showcase at Gallery Isabelle, running until October 26, 2024.