exhibitions - Sharjah Art Foundation

In the eyes of our present, we hear Palestine foregrounds the unyielding creativity of artists who have dedicated their practice to informing, advocating and educating about the history of the occupation, the current political situation and issues of human rights in Palestine.

(Lydda Airport, 2009)

Emily Jacir, Lydda Airport, 2009. Installation view: Sharjah Biennial 10, Sharjah Art Foundation, 2011. Sharjah Art Foundation Collection. Image courtesy of Sharjah Art Foundation

Overview

In the eyes of our present, we hear Palestine foregrounds the unyielding creativity of artists who have dedicated their practice to informing, advocating and educating about the history of the occupation, the current political situation and issues of human rights in Palestine.

This special exhibition, presented in consideration of the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, is part of the Foundation’s continuous support for Palestine and its people and testifies to the decades-long struggle for homeland and sovereignty in Palestine. While bearing witness to forced displacement and devastating loss, the works also celebrate the rich identity and heritage of Palestine, invoking a spirit of solidarity.

Situated in the Old Al Dhaid Clinic and Arts Palace (Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Palace) in Al Dhaid, In the eyes of our present, we hear Palestine narrates the multifarious stories of the Palestinian people and their allies, opening up a space of encounter, learning and transformation.

More than 60 artworks featured in the exhibition, all part of the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection, are by artists from Palestine and its neighbouring countries. Together, these paintings, sculptures, installations and videos, spanning from the 1950s till the present, offer a glimpse into the challenges and hopes of the Palestinian community.

Participating artists include Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme, Adel Abidin, Ayreen Anastas and Rene Gabri, Simone Fattal, Tarek Al Ghoussein, Shadi Habib Allah, Hazem Harb, Mona Hatoum, Emily Jacir, Najat Makki, Jumana Manna and Sille Storihle, Rashid Masharawi, Khalil Rabah, Mario Rizzi, Raeda Saadeh, Mona Saudi, Basma Al Sharif, Nida Sinnokrot, Sharif Waked, Kamal Youssef and Abdul Hay Mosallam Zarara.

We invite the communities of Sharjah and beyond to host self-organised programmes that show solidarity with Palestine in the helipad theatre in Old Al Dhaid Clinic and the majlis in Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Palace.

For bookings, please contact learning@sharjahart.org