ATHR Gallery is starting the new year with three novel solo shows, the launch of a new exhibition space, and substantial participation in the 2023 Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale.
On the evening of the 23rd, ATHR is opening 3 solo shows: “And Make Me Light” by Farah Behbehani, “Fantasia A World Between Reality and Imagination” by Asma Bahmim, and “Keep Smiling” by Daniah Al Saleh. Behbehani’s exhibit, curated by Saudi curator Jumana Ghouth, is a journey in faith through modern lenses, exploring various manifestations of light and how it affects objects to create a spiritual, illuminative narrative. Bahmim’s exhibit, curated by Yasmeen Tukan, carries the ancient tradition of storytelling via animal characters, and delves into that fantastic world between states of consciousness to tell contemporary tales that deliver us lessons in morality, philosophy, and society. Bahmim uses techniques found in book-making and illustration to tell her stories, emulating traditional art practices with a contemporary rendition. Al Saleh’s exhibit, curated by Jerome Neuters, is a study of the linguistic phenomenon emojis have fostered in how we communicate and express ourselves, using both illustration and AI computing to showcase that transformation.
The opening of the exhibits is followed by a rooftop dinner that features a wide selection of vendors local to the Jeddah food scene, cafes, and live music by Wall of Sound.
In an effort to respond to the growing need for a space for experimental contemporary art practices, ATHR Gallery is proud to present AKTHR on January 25 2023. An exhibition space which is spread across two floors, located in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah, fostering artists working with new and exciting mediums. AKTHR’s focus will be on commissioning, curating, and exhibiting experimental works with an emphasis on employing new technologies and providing multi-sensorial experiences for audiences of all ages. The exhibition features two installations by the postdigital art group Random International, led by founders Hannes Koch and Florian Ortkrass. The group has a studio in London and comprises a global team of complimentary talent. The exhibition, which is on view from January 2023 to March 2023, features the newly commissioned work Banners. The second work featured is Future Self (2012), which presents viewers with their full-length body image, three-dimensionally distributed as tiny points of light.
A selection of artists from ATHR’s roster are featured in the 2023 Diriyah Islamic Arts Biennale. The Biennale, titled “Awwal Bait” (First house), is hosted in the iconic Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, debuting to the public on the 23rd of January. ATHR artists participating are: Farah Behbehani, Sultan bin Fahad, Basmah Felemban, Ahmed Mater, Muhannad Shono, and Ayman Yosri Daydban.
