The Project Space unveils a poignant new exhibition curated by the talented Anita Shishani
The Project Space is set to unveil a deeply moving and thought-provoking exhibition, Bygones, curated by the talented Anita Shishani.
The opening reception takes place on Thursday, 16 January, at 5.30 pm, marking the start of an artistic journey that delves into the profound concept of what it means to leave home – and to long for it – when home exists not just in another place, but in another time.
Bygones is a poignant exploration of displacement, nostalgia, and the resilience of identity. Born out of a yearning for community, the exhibition reflects the trials and tribulations of maintaining a connection to a homeland that feels distant and transformed
Through the lens of artists who themselves grapple with this dichotomy, Bygones creates a space to reflect, mourn, and celebrate the complexities of belonging.
The collection brings together powerful works from a diverse group of artists, including Anastasia A, Alla Abdunabi, Aya Afaneh, Houssam Ballan, Bady Dalloul, Hala El Abora, Zaina El-Said, Syed Hussain, Diana Ishaqat, Pouran Jinchi, Anuar Khalifi, Yoonsik Chico Park, and Ansadat Zumsoy.
Adding a deeply personal layer, curator Anita Shishani contributes her own paintings, visually weaving her narrative into the dialogue and enriching the exhibition’s communal essence.
Save the date: Public programmes not to miss
In tandem with the exhibition, Bygones offers an extensive public program that invites visitors to delve deeper into its themes.
Held in the Art Gallery Reading Room and the Project Space, these events are free and open to everyone, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and creativity.
Friday, 17 January, 6.30 pm: Writing Workshop: How to Return as if You Never Left with Yesmine Abida
Tuesday, 21 January, 6.30 pm: Curator Talk with Anita Shishani
Friday, 24 January, 6.30 pm: Artist Talk: Lecture on the History of Circassian Dance with Aysha Hamkari
Tuesday, 4 February, 6.30 pm: Poetry Writing Workshop with Aya Afaneh (held in the Project Space)
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A space for reflection and community
All exhibitions and events at the Project Space are free and open to the public, offering accessibility to a diverse audience.
The gallery’s welcoming hours, Tuesday to Sunday, 12-8 pm, ensure ample opportunity for visitors to experience Bygones and participate in its engaging programs.
This is more than just an exhibition; it is an invitation to connect with stories of longing, resilience, and cultural preservation.
Whether through the poignant artworks, the enriching workshops, or the intimate talks, Bygones is a testament to the power of art in bridging distances and time.
The opening reception for Bygones takes place on 16 January, as Bygones takes you on an evocative journey through the heart and mind.
Let this exhibition and its accompanying events remind us all of the unifying thread of humanity: the places we come from and the places we carry within us.
Free. 16 January, The Project Space at NYU Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit nyuad-artgallery.org
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