Hamra Abbas’s forth solo exhibition, COLOR | GARDEN, is displayed at Lawrie Shabibi Gallery. The artist from Kuwait presents a set of conceptual prints as well as new marble inlay (pietra dura) pieces investigating colour theory, geometry and the garden motif in architecture. The show coincides with Hamra Abbas’s EXPO 2020 Dubai commission Garden (2021).
Her art is a reference to the Mogul architecture of Lahore Fort and its traditional use of garden motifs, where idyllic images of landscapes represent paradise and perfection, immortality and mortality – an earthly utopia where humans coexist with nature in harmony.
Hamra Abbas’s works come from encounters and experiences. The artist changes them by transforming scale, function or medium. Her aim is to deconstruct the act of seeing by recreating images that form part of a collective memory. Unrestrained by subject matter or media, she takes an investigative approach to produce a diverse and holistic body of work addressing notions of cultural history, sexuality, violence, ornamentation, devotion and faith.
Hamra Abbas won the Jury prize at Sharjah Biennial 9, the Abraaj Capital Art Prize in 2011 and was shortlisted for the Jameel Prize in 2009.
Lawrie Shabibi is a contemporary art gallery in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. The gallery’s mission is to promote the works of international contemporary artists through a series of exhibitions, artists talks, catalogues and art fair participations.
