The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London has unveiled a compelling new exhibition on contemporary Arab art, featuring a diverse collection of over 40 pieces from the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, UAE. The exhibit, titled “Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries,” is on display at SOAS’s Brunei Gallery and will run until September 21.
This significant showcase includes a wide range of mediums, such as paintings, photographs, and sculptures, offering a panoramic view of modern Arab artistic expressions. Among the featured artists are prominent figures like Mona Hatoum, a Palestinian installation artist known for her provocative works; Anuar Khalifi, a Moroccan-Spanish painter whose pieces explore cultural intersections; Emirati photographer Lamya Gargash, whose work captures the essence of contemporary Emirati life; and Manal AlDowayan, a Saudi Arabian artist whose multidisciplinary approach addresses themes of gender and social change.
Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation and a new lecturer at SOAS, emphasized the exhibition’s focus: “The exhibition delves into how boundaries influence personal and collective identities, particularly in the context of displacement and migration. It also explores how political and social constructs of boundaries impact individuals and communities, reflecting on themes of conflict, unity, and division.” This exploration is particularly pertinent given the current context of heightened anti-immigration sentiments and social unrest in the UK.
What sets “Hudood” apart is its curation by eight SOAS students, who contributed to the selection and thematic direction of the exhibition based on their personal experiences and discussions.
The Arabic title “Hudood,” meaning “boundaries,” aptly represents the exhibition’s thematic focus on the effects of physical and metaphorical boundaries.
Al-Qassemi praised the student-led initiative, noting, “The students’ diverse perspectives and innovative ideas brought fresh insights to the exhibition, ensuring it resonated with a wider audience. This student-led approach also offered them a unique opportunity to engage directly with contemporary art and curatorial practices. Throughout the process, we discovered the students’ keen analytical skills and their ability to think critically about complex themes, which enriched the exhibition in unexpected ways.”
Last year, Christie’s auction house in London showcased a selection from the Barjeel Art Foundation’s modern artworks. This year’s presentation brings a fresh perspective, with “Hudood” offering an engaging and thoughtful exploration of Arab art. Al-Qassemi concluded, “We are happy to showcase the collection in London for the second year running. London is a major hub for visitors from the Arab world during the summer season, providing an opportunity for them to engage with art from their region.”