Private view - Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries

We are delighted to host a private view of the exhibition Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries co-hosted by the SOAS Middle East Institute and SOAS Gallery, followed by a drinks reception.

The exhibition showcases contemporary art from the Barjeel Foundation, exploring the multifaceted theme of "Boundaries" both as a subject and a tool for meaningful engagement with art from the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region. This exhibition delves into the profound implications of walls and borders on artistic expression, posing the question of whether it is the artist's perspective that ultimately transcends these boundaries.

Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, a prominent columnist and researcher on social, political, and cultural affairs in the Arab Gulf states, will be introducing the exhibition. His extensive background includes fellowships and teaching roles at prestigious institutions such as MIT, NYU, Yale, Georgetown University, and Harvard Kennedy School. His insights and experiences will provide a rich context for the works on display.

The exhibition examines "Boundaries" as both tangible realities and abstract constructs, shaping artists' works and biographies. From sculptures made with asphalt sourced from physical borders to reflections on the limitations of accessing historical archives, the exhibition covers a wide spectrum of topics. It invites discourse and aims to be accessible to the general public, students, and experts alike, while critically reflecting on the curatorial practices ofsym the student-led collective.