Qatari artist Reem Al Muhannadi is opening her first exhibition in the capital.
Qatari artist Reem Al Muhannadi is opening her first exhibition in London. Running from 16 to 18 May, The Burning Oud Abaya takes place at 31 Warwick Gardens, Kensington. The show looks at women’s experiences through the garment of the abaya and beyond.
The Burning Oud Abaya explores themes of resilience, transformation and identity, especially in the Middle East. The ideas are rooted in subjects spanning spirituality, the Gulf’s heritage in the pre-oil era, and unknown landscapes.
At the heart of the exhibition is the abaya, which takes on a symbolic meaning. The show includes film and photographs, which have been created in deserted sites in Qatar. Plus, the artist’s artist books and sketches are also on display.
The show includes innovative installations, which combine a range of materials. For example, raw oud wood appears ablaze, and signifies the untold stories of women who are shaped by society’s pressures.
Reem is a Qatari-born artist, and she is now living in London Over her career, she has worked as an NGO Analyst Intern, and an artist in garments, photography and film. Reem explains: “The Burning Oud Abaya series has developed into forms of garments, photography and film to interpret and connect with important social issues that impact women through a protagonist”.
The Burning Oud Abaya private view is open on 16 May from 7pm to 11pm. The public view is open on 17 May from 12pm to 5pm, and 18 May from 12pm to 3pm.
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GO: Visit https://oudabaya.com for more information.