Telling a personal story through her art, Emirati artist Shama Al Hamed showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures and installations that captures the formative years of her life. The debut exhibition becomes more than an art show as an intimate conversation ensues between the art and viewer. Each piece, a self-portrait in its own right, offers a glimpse into the experiences that have sculpted Al Hamed's identity.
The act of jumping is a powerful metaphor throughout this exhibition curated by Walter Williams. It's not just a physical action; it's a reflection of the artist's journey through time, memory, and a complex terrain of human emotion. Each leap is captured in vibrant strokes or sculpted forms, shedding light on the constant push and pull of life and the yearning for more.
Adding another layer of depth to the narrative are the architectural patterns that weave their way through the collection. Derived from photographs of buildings that formed the backdrop of her childhood, these patterns represent the spaces that shaped her artistic sensibilities. Through repetition and abstraction, she breathes new life into these structures, transforming them into tangible memories that bridge the gap between the physical world and the emotional landscape within.
The exhibition also features a poem written by the artist, adding yet another layer to the thought-provoking showcase
I Jump With Joy, My Spirit Soars
I Jump to Dream, Through Open Doors
I Jump Over Hurdles, Steady and True
I Jump at Dawn, When Skies Blush Blue
I Jump From Block to Block With Ease
I Jump in the Light of a Golden Breeze
I Jump Through Shadows That Fade Away
I Jump to the Rhythm of Life’s Sweet Call
I Jump to Rise, Though I May Fall
I Jump Through Whispers of the Wind’s Embrace
I Jump Toward Stars in Endless Space
I Jump With Hope, My Heart Takes Flight
I Jump to Love, My Guiding Light
But the question remains: will she stick the landing? This query hangs in the air, echoing the uncertainty that fuels not just Al Hamed's creative process, but the very essence of the human experience. It's a question we all ask ourselves, consciously or unconsciously, as we navigate the leaps and bounds of our own lives.
Through I Jump – Will I Stick the Landing? viewers get a chance to explore the artist's mind and life. The showcase exemplifies her vulnerability and resilience, reminding us that we are all, in a way, jumping – hoping, searching and striving to land on our feet. I Jump – Will I Stick the Landing? will be on show at the Aisha Alabbar Gallery, Alserkal Avenue until 5 April
