Taking its name from Sheikha Al Mayassa’s Ted Talk in 2012, the exhibition discusses the idea of Globalizing the Local and Localizing the Global. She stated, “We are changing our culture from within, but at the same time we are reconnecting with our traditions”. Reconnecting creates a framework for the artists to explore their individual and collective vision of the local culture, and its interaction with the rest of the world.

Reconnecting Arts wants to create a space where a refreshing idea of Arab work and narratives are shown by Arab Artists themselves, where they can challenge, question and create dialogue about their own experiences.

Many of these artists have chosen to document the shift, progress, and concern for their countries’ rapid growth through various mediums spanning painting, installation, photography and moving image. While some artists have connected with the past using handmade Qatari leaf palm and old photographs as references, some are connecting with the present through exploration of the city and the way in which technology is impacting the current generation. Yet further artists have invented creative methods for preserving their history through reforming artefacts such as the classic playing card or by solely using recycled materials in the hope that future generations will also reconnect.

The exhibition showcases a diverse and refreshing selection of work that encourages dialogue about the power of connection and the importance of reconnecting with the community. With this, Reconnecting Arts, invites the audience to reflect on their own identity as well as discover similarities between them, the work and the artists.

We are connecting back together what has been disconnected or in the process of disconnecting. Dialogue.

Curator: Sara Foryame & Co-Curator: Khalid Al Hammadi.

Artists taking part:

Ahmed Al Jufairi, Ahmed Al Sai, Aisha Al Ansari, Ali Hassan, Aref Al Ammari, Essa Al Mulla, Fatima Al Naimi, Fatma Al Shebani, Hana Al Saadi, Hayfa Al Saada, Hessa Al Ali, Jameela Al Shraim, Khalid Al Fahad, Khalid Al Hammadi, Noor Al Thani, Shaha Al Khulaifi, Yousef Ahmed, 3yooz News.

Filmmakers:

Aisha Al Mohannadi, Amal Al Muftah, Sarah Al Derham, Mohamed Al Ibrahim, Yousef Al Moadhadhi, Zainab Al Kouly.

WWW.RECONNECTINGARTS.COM

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