Grab Before It Ends: 'It Lies Beyond' Exhibition

by Sophie She

Grab Before It Ends: 'It Lies Beyond' Exhibition

4 Mar 2024

In Alserkal Avenue, Volte Art Projects presents Rashid Rana's solo exhibition (and, by the way, his first exhibition in Dubai), featuring his captivating work "It Lies Beyond" and the monumental sculpture “Desperately Seeking Paradise”.

As one of South Asia's leading contemporary artists, Rana's immersive installations challenge conventional perceptions and spark conversations on pressing global issues. Rana's exhibition, which began with the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, is timely and relevant.

"It Lies Beyond" was created in 2022 for the third Karachi Biennale, Pakistan. The artwork immerses its viewer in a world of intricate imagery and multifaceted symbolism, juxtaposing an imposing seascape with heaps of garbage. Through meticulous attention to detail, Rana weaves a narrative that touches on Post-Renaissance Materialism, sea trade, colonisation, the Industrial Revolution, and consumerism. Through this work, Rana highlights the environmental repercussions of human waste and pollution, drawing attention to the consequences of global climate change and natural calamities.

"It Lies Beyond", Rashid Rana. Source: volte.art

What sets "It Lies Beyond" apart is its interactive experience, heightened by Augmented Reality (AR). This technology overlays digital content onto real-life environments, providing viewers with a dynamic and engaging encounter with the artwork. Rana's use of AR enhances the immersive nature of the installation, inviting the audience to delve deeper into the layers of meaning embedded within the work.

At first glance, it looks like a serene seascape. But take a closer look, and you will realise it is made up of thousands of images — around 90,000, to be exact. You can animate them using an AI app. Just download the app and watch each picture come alive.

"It Lies Beyond", Rashid Rana. Source: volte.art

"Desperately Seeking Paradise", Rana's monumental stainless steel sculpture, challenges our understanding of scale and perspective. At first look, it appears as a minimalist structure, but a shift in viewpoint transforms it into a panoramic skyline of an imaginary city. Exploring themes of nostalgia, duality, space-time, and displacement, the sculpture intrigues viewers by revealing its composition — photographs of skyscrapers derived from hundreds of tiny images of houses in Lahore, Pakistan.

"Desperately Seeking Paradise", Rashid Rana. Source: volte.art

In Rana's work, the micro and macro elements seamlessly converge, provoking contemplation and introspection. The exhibition prompts viewers to consider the beauty of the imagery and form while reflecting on its underlying meaning. Amidst the artistic exploration, Rana skillfully draws attention to the critical issue of sustainability, specifically focusing on garbage islands in the sea.

"Desperately Seeking Paradise", Rashid Rana. Source: volte.art

Often composed of construction waste, garbage islands pose a significant environmental challenge. Data shows that construction debris makes up a substantial portion of these islands, contributing to the degradation of marine ecosystems. Rana's work poignantly reminds us of the urgency to address this issue, urging a societal rethinking of waste management and sustainable practices in engineering and architecture.

The exhibition of this work in Dubai carries symbolic significance. Its timing, coinciding with the COP28 Conference, lends special meaning to this art piece within the broader context of the country's environmental initiatives.

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, Rana's exhibition aligns with the global discourse on environmental sustainability. Rana's thought-provoking installations at Volte Art Gallery are a testament to his artistic brilliance and a catalyst for meaningful conversations about our collective responsibility towards the environment.

Our advice: Hurry up and visit the exhibition before it closes on March 6. It is definitely worth seeing.

by Sophie She