ABU DHABI, 31st May, 2023 (WAM) — The New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery's auxiliary venue, The Project Space, is poised to captivate art enthusiasts with its final exhibition of the season, titled "Symbiotic: Hyperreal," showcasing the exceptional talents of Emirati artists and brothers, Talal Al Najjar and Ziad Al Najjar.
The exhibition is scheduled to commence on 1st June 2023, at 5:30 pm, and will continue its display for a duration of two weeks, concluding on Wednesday, 14th June.
Curated by the accomplished Tala Nassar, Associate Manager of Curatorial Projects at The NYUAD Art Gallery, "Symbiotic: Hyperreal" unveils the remarkable works of these talented artists, who masterfully construct a realm of simulation, unreality, and hyperreality. Despite their close collaboration, the Al Najjar brothers maintain distinct individual practices, drawing inspiration from their deep-rooted connection with their surroundings, particularly Dubai, their cherished hometown.
The term "Symbiotic" in the exhibition's title signifies the numerous dualities that materialise within the show: the bond shared by two brothers, the coexistence of two cultures within their family heritage, and the contrasting forces of tradition and modernity prevalent in the UAE.
Through their art, Talal and Ziad Al Najjar strive to strike a harmonious balance between their traditional Emirati heritage and the transformative experience of residing in contemporary Dubai. The artists skillfully merge ancient motifs from diverse cultures with a contemporary context, offering viewers a glimpse into their evocative exploration of dualities.
Commenting on the exhibition, Nassar expressed, "This showcase serves as a fitting culmination to what has undoubtedly been one of the most compelling and thought-provoking seasons at The Project Space. When viewed collectively, Talal and Ziad Al Najjar's creations engender an arresting sense of hyperreality—an amalgamation of reality and its simulated counterpart that challenges the viewer's ability to discern between the two.
"Upon entering the space, one is both an observer and the observed, a sensation that reflects our current fraught reality, entangled with algorithms, deep fakes, and artificial intelligence. However, this exhibition also provides a fresh perspective that empowers us to regain control over our responses to the pressures imposed by emerging technologies."
At the core of Talal and Ziad's artistic practice lies the manifestation of dual realities. Talal's work often recontextualises transhistorical material culture and imagery through a counter-futurist lens. Notably, his NauseaScape video series ingeniously constructs an alternate world by utilising publicly accessible virtual reality tours of Sharjah's archaeological sites.
Meanwhile, Ziad's artistic exploration delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and the surrounding environment, delving into the dynamics of observation between sentient beings. His captivating single-channel video, "Ameba," meticulously replicates and manipulates natural scenes, abstracting the environment to evoke a sense of technical difficulties, providing viewers with an extraordinary experience of observing nature.
Nestled within The Arts Centre and bolstered by the invaluable support of The NYUAD Art Gallery's devoted staff, The Project Space serves as a non-commercial gallery dedicated to fostering Abu Dhabi's vibrant artistic community. Exhibitions within The Project Space prioritise contributions from the academic and regional community, encompassing the annual Senior Capstone Festival, faculty-curated displays, experimental projects, and the groundbreaking works of emerging artists from the region.