Tabari Artspace in Dubai is now home to In-Between, a solo show by abstract Saudi painter and sculptor Nasser Almulhim. Delving into the human psyche, it displays his latest series of vibrant paintings drawing from Jungian psychology. The last day of the exhibition will be the 6th of September, 2024.
The art pieces on view are inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of shadow work which highlights the importance of confronting hidden aspects of the self to achieve self-awareness and inner peace. The famous psychologist’s idea articulated in The Philosophical Tree (1945) that enlightenment comes from making the darkness conscious profoundly influences Almulhim. Through his art, he aims to illuminate the light and dark facets of the self, encouraging viewers to engage with their shadows and bridge the conscious and subconscious realms. The exhibited paintings reflect this dichotomy, which the artist refers to as the split: the space between these two realms.
The exhibition presents twelve artworks, a number rich in symbolic meaning across various religious, mythological, and magical traditions, representing perfection, completeness, and cosmic order. It symbolises the passage of time, the cycle of seasons, and the journey of the human mind. Almulhim’s creations possess a surreal, dreamlike quality, with fluid geometric forms serving as portals into the mind. Rather than providing specific interpretations, the artist focuses on his process and invites his audience to engage with his work personally, embarking on their journeys of transcendence.
About the artist
Nasser Almulhim (b. 1988, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), who initially studied engineering, earned his BA in Studio Art from the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Florida, USA) in 2016.
Full of energy, Almulhim’s works are characterised by a vibrant, saturated colour palette influenced by Abstract Expressionism; they assume an intuitive approach to art-making. The artist concentrates on the interaction between geometric and organic shapes, exploring their immediate impact and how their relationship generates rhythmic energies and reflects the inner emotions of the human psyche. Almulhim also investigates how colours relate to human behaviour and their energetic and psychological effects.
Painting is a therapeutic practice for Almulhim, contributing to his spiritual and artistic development. His creative process allows him to work through recurring thoughts, memories, and trauma. Through his art, he aims to inspire others who are dealing with similar struggles. Almulhim believes that the use of colours in his practice might evoke joy or unearth buried traumas, a message he strives to convey through his art. “[I want] to show people that something as simple as taking a brush and painting […] can bring ease to our […] soul, helping you express your feelings and face their darkness,” he explains.
Almulhim has displayed his creations in several exhibitions and art events, such as the Art Dubai Fair (2023); Shadow Work (a solo show at Tabari Artspace, 2022); Misk Art (Riyadh, 2021); an exhibition at Hafez Gallery (Cromwell Palace, London, UK, 2021); Position (Berlin Art Fair, Berlin, Germany, 2020); Bonum Et Malum (Kleinervonwiese Gallery, Berlin, 2019); and ArtRiyadh (Annual Contemporary Art Fair, Alfaisaliah Resort, Riyadh, 2016), among others.
In 2021, the artist took part in the Hayy Jameel Façade Commission programme, where Contours on Collective Consciousness, his collaborative proposal with Lebanese-French artist Tamara Kalo, was selected as the winner.
To get more information about In-Between, please visit the official web page of the show.
In addition, you might be interested in attending the Laal Collection Volume II exhibition at Total Arts.
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