Mind the Gap poses a simple question; what everyday divisions in society provide opportunities from a creative perspective? Since the beginning of March 2017 up to April 6th, contemporary art organization Tashkeel, Dubai, has been exploring this very question. Having had an open call to artists, which received an overwhelming number of applications, a final 28 were selected to be part of the exhibition and program.
Acrylic, graphic, charcoal, cement, oil on cheesecloth. 48 x 36 in
Screenprint on paper. 150 x 150 cm
Wherever you live in the Gulf, you cannot escape the mix of nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, and beliefs all thrown into a variety of communities. Whether it is where we work, socialize together or even worship, you’re continually faced with the need to interact with a whole variety of people. It can affect you on a conscious level or be a quiet undertone of your life, however, you cannot escape. Mind the Gap asked creatives to visually explore these differences and similarities to find the “gaps” and highlight how these can be opportunities.
Tashkeel asked the question ‘How can we visualize the intervals between technology and craft, old and young, past and future, mind and matter, what would these look like?’ with the intention to interrupt the thought process and attempt to “enhance the historical, social and cultural fabric of the United Arab Emirates.”
Pastel, charcoal, sand, ink on Cotman watercolour paper. 56 x 76 cm
The concept comes from Curator Jack Thomas Taylor. The Founder and previous Editor of Alef Magazine, he recently graduated from Central Saint Martin’s with an MA in Culture, Criticism, and Curation. Taylor believes that welcoming an open call for all nationalities in the UAE for Mind the Gap will allow Tashkeel to become “a research lab of thoughts, feelings, and expressions,” to bring a cross section of society together to showcase how residents from all walks of life perceive the cultural diversity around them in the UAE.
The exhibition runs until April 6th at Tashkeel Studio and Gallery, Nad Al-Sheba 1, Dubai, UAE
Banner image: Tom Baggaley, Squash Vine Bore, 2016. Printmaking, sculpture, painting. 200 x 150 cm.
