Where Light And Dark Meet. 'Chiaroscuro' Exhibition

by Alexandra Mansilla

Where Light And Dark Meet. 'Chiaroscuro' Exhibition

11 Mar 2024

On February 27, the ICD Brookfield Place Arts unveiled "Chiaroscuro", a captivating new exhibition in collaboration with Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

It was clear from the get-go that something really special was happening, thanks to the art institutions behind the event. Then, there is the curator. Michèle Lamy. She is one of the most intriguing and genre-defying creatives out there — a fashion icon, a significant figure in the art scene, and one of fashion's most celebrated eccentrics. With a myriad of titles to her name (including, undoubtedly, that of Rick Owens' wife and business partner), she brings her talents to the Middle East for the first time with this project.

Still not convinced this exhibition is worth a visit? We think the answer is pretty clear. Get in there before it wraps up on March 15.

Photo: Edward Bess

So, what is the exhibition all about? Well, it is right there in the name. Chiaroscuro, an Italian term meaning "light-dark," explores the play of light and shadow in paintings and drawings. The exhibition gathers the works of 20 artists, including Rick Owens, Nacho Carbonell, Studio Drift, Aldo Bakker, and Vincenzo De Cotiis alongside regional talents like Latifa Saeed, Khaled Zaki, and Omar Al Gurg. It delves deep into the contrast of light and dark.

From left: "Curial Aluminum" (2022) by Rick Owens; "Untitled 43" (2022) by Vincenzo De Cotiis; "Combi Cocoon 2" (46/2016) (2016) by Nacho Carbonell

You will see firsthand how each artwork plays with light and dark when you visit the exhibition — all artists experiment with materials, colours, and textures. To gain deeper insights into the their creations, we asked some of them a few questions.

Omar Al Gurg's contribution is “Spike” — a coat hanger shaped like a cactus. As Omar puts it, “it is super interactive and fun.” By the way, have you ever wondered why it is called “Spike”? In an interview with The Sandy Times, Omar revealed: “Spike reminds me of a cactus. It is spiky. And Spike is also a name... you know, like you could name your dog Spike. Actually, I originally wanted to name it Penny because it reminded me of a cartoon character with that name. But eventually, Spike just felt right. It is easier to remember, and conceptually, it fits!”

Omar also expressed his desire to work with Michèle Lamy again, noting that “the experience of working with her was very smooth sailing and straightforward.”

"Spike 1" (2020) by Omar Al Gurg

Aldo Bakker, the designer from the Netherlands, presents “Weight/Wait Azul Summer Sky Marble” (2016-19). He says: “It is called 'Weight/Wait', as the piece is heavy, although the weight is divided over the three components. You have to wait until the composition is complete.

The singular leg lifts the second part, which rests on two points. On top is the biggest part, which completes the piece or forms a roof over the other components and also functions as a seating.”

"Weight/wait Azul Summer Sky Marble" (2016-19) by Aldo Bakker

Egyptian artist Khaled Zaki presents four works — “Serene” (2023), “Dance of Life” (2023), “Solitude” (2023), “Dreamer” (2023). He describes his approach: “I aim to encapsulate the soul of my subjects using only the most essential formal elements, all while honouring the pristine beauty of pure white marble. This ethereal hue serves as a metaphorical blank canvas, inviting viewers to reimagine and embark on new beginnings. Each sculpture comprises distinct marble pieces arranged to depict figures in states of vulnerability, protection, or tranquillity. The result is a fusion of contemporary aesthetics and timeless allure that evoke a myriad of emotions stemming from my exploration of the boundless potential inherent in natural forms.”

"Serene" (2023) by Khaled Zaki

Isaac Sullivan, Dubai-based artist from the US, describes his work “Angelus Novus 1” (huge blinking screens) like this: “Angelus Novus 1 contemplates image repetition, ritual, and the body's mediation within digital networks. A collaboration with Ruby Bailey and Zaid Sajdi, this work is adapted from my 2023 lecture performance, Echo Holdings x Angelus Novus, which appeared at Reference Point, London.”

Instagram: @callmel00bi

by Alexandra Mansilla