In pursuit of utopia, one might never arrive at the destination, although could get close to it.
The perfect place keeps running away further ahead like a shadow running from its owner. Utopia might be an impossible imaginary situation that will not necessary materialize fully, yet it stays central to dreaming, since our utopian thinking fuels the pursuit of our dreams that keeps us alive with motives to realize them. The word utopia comes with a certain criticality as it can voice dissatisfaction with the status quo and/or holds a vision of the future that differs in at least some aspects from the present. It is in this sense that Nabil Anani sees Palestine: a prosperous thriving place free from occupation; a land that takes pride in its nature and parades it jubilantly; a dream worth to pursuit.
In Pursuit of Utopia, the Palestinian landscape is presented without any disruptions; a perfect manicured landscape, that is well tended. Anani paints the picturesque hills of Palestine without the ever increasing Israeli settlements, bypass roads, roadblocks, walls and watch towers that are normally visible in every corner. He creates the Palestine of his dreams, a utopia inspired by his memories as a child growing up on the hills of Halhoul.
Anani’s work stems from his fascination with the Palestinian landscape and rural life, which are subjects that he has addressed throughout his artistic journey. In this series of work, one can rarely spot a human or their shadow, for the primary focus remains on the aesthetic of the place, giving the audience the chance to ponder and appreciate the scenic terrain.
Olive groves, cypress trees and wheat fields dot the hills and horizon as if embroidered patterns. The canvases are divided with horizontal lines and spaces inspired by the ancient terraces separating the fields, conveying a panoramic perspective and a rural ambiance.
Experimentation with different media and using strong vibrant colors remain methods that distinguish Anani’s style. In this series, he uses mixed natural media, such as straw, spices and herbs that vary in color and texture in addition to dry flowers and plants, resulting in a distinct surfaces and vibrant array of smells.
In this exhibition, Anani chases a utopia that resides in the imagination of all Palestinians whether dispossessed from their lands forcefully, confined in small restricted areas or prevented to access different parts of their homeland. Whether he attempts to capture a moment in the future or protest at the brutal Israeli destruction of the land and the livelihood of its people, Anani offers a vision of a better future; a dream of an ideal Palestine worthy of pursuing.
Dates: till 29 Aprill 2021
Time: 10 am - 7 pm
Venue: Unit 27, Zawyeh Gallery
About Zawyeh Gallery
Zawyeh is an independent Visual Art Gallery founded in Ramallah, Palestine, in 2013. Since Feb 2020, the gallery has expanded by opening in a second location at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, UAE.
Zawyeh’s mission is to promote emerging and established Palestinian artists – from Palestine and the Diaspora – through various thematic exhibitions at home and aboard. In the past few years, the gallery organized several solo and collective exhibitions, showcasing artworks based on a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, installation, video, and photography.
Zawyeh aims at supporting young artists and showcasing contemporary and modern Palestinian art internationally through the participation in art fairs, exhibitions, and specific art projects. Zawyeh Gallery has participated in a number of art fairs including Paris Contemporary Art Show P/CAS (2019), Contemporary Istanbul (2019), Galleries at MAS Abu Dhabi (2019), Art Dubai (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016), Abu Dhabi Art (2019, 2018), and Beirut Art Fair(2018, 2017).
Zawyeh believes in investing in creativity and artistic talents in Palestine, as a way of resilience in the face of adversaries.
For Contact:
Ziad Anani
Director
Mob: +971 58 5925667
E-mail: zanani@zawyeh.net
Shahid Elshahry
Executive Assistant
Mob: +971 55 2282211
E-mail: selshahry@zawyeh.net
Website: www.zawyeh.net
Image Credit: Alserkal Avenue
Age
0+
Telephone number
+971 4 333 3464
Links
Address
DubaiAlserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Sheikh Zayed: Exit 43, Dubai
How to get there?
Take a metro to Noor Islamic Metro Station and we are a short cab ride away! Located right behind Times Square Mall in Al Quoz, Dubai.