ATHR Gallery is proud to announce the rescheduled opening of The Edge of Language, a solo exhibition by world- renowned and newly-represented ATHR artist Nasser Al Salem. Opening February 5 from 7 pm - 9 pm at ATHR’s JAX gallery, this groundbreaking exhibition expands perspectives of Arabic calligraphy, exploring its potential as a contemporary medium that reflects the complexities of modern life.
Born in Mecca, Nasser Al Salem redefines Arabic calligraphy by blending traditional craftsmanship with conceptual innovation. Rooted in a family trade of tent-making near the holy Ka’ba, his early exposure to spirituality and craftsmanship deeply influenced his creative journey. His architectural background informs his multi-dimensional approach, seamlessly merging the word, the medium, and its aesthetic form.
Globally acclaimed, Nasser Al Salem’s works are housed in prestigious collections such as the British Museum, LACMA, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Centre Pompidou. His solo exhibitions include Amma Baad at the Delfina Foundation in London and And It Remains at ATHR Gallery in Jeddah. Additionally, his work has been featured in renowned group exhibitions, including the British Museum’s Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, the Venice Biennale’s Rhizoma, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Abstraction and Calligraphy: Towards a Universal Language.
Inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein’s concept of “The Edge of Words,” Al Salem redefines language as a symbolic tool that navigates the tension between order and chaos, internal noise, and conscious reflection. The exhibition unfolds across four thought-provoking sections, each inviting contemplation of language, human experience, and material form.
In “Through the Noise,” works like I Want to Buy a Skyline, The Guardian, and I’ll Start Cooking at Home, distorted iron words mimic spontaneous diary scribbles. Here, the artist does not strive for perfection or clarity, celebrating the chaos that arises from everyday life.
“Portrait” offers a polished façade, akin to traditional portraits depicting idealized subjects. Its precise geometry imposes order over chaos, reflecting language as a system of power and control. At the same time, the spherical forms suggest unity and perfection, subtly questioning humanity’s preference for outward appearances over inner complexities.
The monumental “Morning Pages” features an 11-meter spiral of diary-like phrases, such as “It’ll Be Fine” and “Today, I’ll Iron My Clothes.” Beyond personal experience, the piece universally invites viewers to embrace simplicity and find peace amidst chaos.
In the final section, “Shape Prospecting,” metal plates from Morning Pages are reimagined into standalone works. Stripped of words, these pieces meditate on presence and void, continuity and decay, exploring the enduring impact of language as a memory.
Al Salem masterfully bridges cultural heritage with contemporary innovation, exploring words as vessels of thought and emotion. The Edge of Language challenges viewers to rethink their connection to language in an ever-changing world. The exhibition opens on February 5, from 7 - 9 PM, and runs until March 20th, 2025.
