Taking part in the 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, the Lawrie Shabibi gallery presents Elevation, a solo exhibition by Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, this year’s visual campaign artist for Abu Dhabi Art. One can look at his exuberant art pieces bearing a childlike sense of wonder until 26 November 2023.
The exhibition’s title refers to the geographic distance to the sea level and Ibrahim’s spiritual approach to making art. It challenges preconceptions and encourages us to contemplate our place in the world. The show features the artist’s 2D and 3D works. Paintings and sculptures displayed together illustrate the symbiotic relationship between the two forms.
Courtesy of Lawrie Shabibi and the artist. Photo: Ismail Noor, Seeing Things.
In his works, Ibrahim delves into his profound bond with the natural landscape of Khor Fakkan where he was born. This connection is also visible in the materials the artist uses. Ibrahim’s hand-crafted objects look like primitive tools, bones, or tree parts and seem to have been discovered in some ancient den. The artist’s paintings present his own language comprising inscriptions, lines, and abstract forms reminiscent of ancient cave drawings.
This year, Ibrahim is also participating in the Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites initiative by Abu Dhabi Art. He was commissioned to create Al Ain Oasis, an installation to be exhibited in the Cultural Sites of Al Ain. The artwork comprises colourful tree-like sculptures made of paper-mâché, recycled cardboard and found objects that celebrate the bright greenery of Al Ain’s oasis terrains. The installation evokes a profound sense of presence and allows viewers to encounter Ibrahim’s artistic expression and the UNESCO heritage site of Al Ain Oasis.
Courtesy of Lawrie Shabibi and the artist. Photo: Ismail Noor, Seeing Things.
The commissioned installation reflects the artist’s deep connection to the local environment and addresses the impact of urbanisation on nature. As viewers engage with the artwork, it invites them to contemplate local developments in sustainable art, their connection to their natural surroundings, and ways they can contribute to its preservation.
About the artist
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim (b. 1962) resides in Khor Fakkan (UAE). In 1986, he received a degree in psychology from the Al Ain University (UAE). Ibrahim is one of the members of the Five, a group of trailblazing conceptual Emirati artists that also includes the late Hassan Sharif, Abdullah Al Saadi, Mohammed Kazem, and Hussain Sharif. Since 1986, he has been a member of the Emirates Fine Art Society (Sharjah, UAE).
Courtesy of Lawrie Shabibi and the artist. Photo: Ismail Noor, Seeing Things.
Ibrahim has displayed his creations in multiple exhibitions and art events, such as Desert X Al Ula (Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2020); Abu Dhabi Art (2017); Portrait of a Nation (Berlin, Germany, 2017); Trans Indian Ocean Artist Exchange (Kochi Murzi Biennale, India, 2016); The Unbearable Lightness of Being (YAY gallery, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2015); UAE Pavilion, Venice Biennale (Italy, 2009); UAE Pavilion (Expo Zaragoza, Spain, 2008); Dhaka Biennial (Bangladesh, 1993, 2002); Havana Biennial (Cuba, 2000); Cairo International Biennial (Egypt, 1998, 1999); UAE Contemporary Art (Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France, 1998); and others. Besides, Ibrahim’s works have been featured in the collections of the British Museum (London, UK), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Kunstcentrum Sittard (Netherlands), and Sharjah Art Foundation, to name a few.
To learn more about Elevation, please visit the exhibition’s official web page.
You might also be interested in attending Introspection as Resistance by Mehdi Moutashar.
