Reality and its Shadows

Reality and its Shadows

“What common perception trivializes and misses, an artwork apprehends in its irreducible essence.” 

-Emmanuel Levinas

It is a generally held view, that the function of art is expression, and that artistic expression rests on cognition. An artist tells of the untold. In this exhibition seven artist Ahmed Ashoor, Omnia Elamir, Sarah Aradi, Jaafar Al Haddad, Aziz Mutawa, Mariam Al Sadadi, and Rawan Alhosani propose a rare and critical convergence of inquisitive minds having a horizontal exchange on creative questions and topics of socio-cultural urgency. Al Riwaq residency Application 002 provided the artist a platform for negotiation avenues of awareness and promoting dialogue. Throughout the 3 month residency the artists were invited to explore and contest individual concepts within a collaborative format. Each work presented invites the viewer into the complex, diverse and significance of historical events, people, and sources.

 

 I Never Could Talk to You By Omnia ElAmir

 

This is the Altar in Reverse by Aziz Motawa 

 

 Unforgiving Pace by Mariam Al Sadadi

 

A Cultural Movement by Jaafar Al Haddad

 

Shredding by Rawan Al Hosani

 

Adaptive Disclosure by Sarah Aradi

 

Variations 1-6 by Ahmed Ashour

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the residency only for visual arts?

No, it is open to all artists from different disciplines.

How long is the residency programme?

12 working weeks, from 28 January to 28 April 2024.

Please note the residency will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan as well as the Eid Holidays. Studio opening hours will be adjusted as appropriate during that period. 

Will there be an exhibition at the end of the residency?

Yes, participants' artwork and projects will be showcased in an exhibition at the end of the residency. The exhibition concept will be formulated and developed in discussion with the artists in residence. 

The exhibition will be developed in collaboration with Al Riwaq’s curation team, led by William Wells, and will open on 25 June 2024. 

Does this programme support research residencies?

Al Riwaq is open to receiving research-based resident artists, within Application 003 or independently. 

Artists seeking the unfamiliar around the corner, are welcome to apply for a  research-driven residency that can revolve around peer-to-peer exchange, and knowledge and understanding, not just in the arts but also in society.

Is there an age restriction for the applicants?

This residency is open for all above 18 years of age.