ArtDayME: In the heart of Dubai , at the Foundry Downtown, an extraordinary exhibition is unfolding, inviting art enthusiasts to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and North African photography. "The Circle Was a Point," presented by the Barjeel Art Foundation and curated by Sama Alshaibi and Amir Hazim, transcends conventional boundaries to present a profound exploration of the medium's evolution and influence.

The artists included are Arwa Abovon, Ahmed Mater, Akram Zaatari, Al-Moutasim Al-Maskery, Alfred Tarazi, Ammar Al Attar, Bashar Hroub, Charbel-Joseph H. Boutros, Farah Al Qasimi, Fouad ElKhoury, Huda Lutfi, Ibi Ibrahim, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Lara Baladi, Larissa Sansour, Latif Al Ani, Manal Al Dowayan, Mohammed Kazem, Mona Hatoum, Mous Lamrabat, Nedim Kufi, Serge Najjar, Tarek Al Ghoussein, Van Leo, Walid Raad, Yoryas Yassine Alaoui, Youssef Nabil, Yto Barrada and Zineb Sedira.

Since its inception in the early 19th century, photography has undergone continuous innovation, blending science with artistic expression. This exhibition celebrates this trajectory by showcasing the works of thirty talented artists, each offering a unique perspective on the interplay between photography and its myriad possibilities.

Walking through the exhibition space, visitors are greeted by a diverse array of photographic techniques and themes. From traditional darkroom processes to interactive installations, the artworks on display challenge preconceived notions and redefine the boundaries of the medium. Through photogenic drawings, memory constructions, and text-photo collages, the artists blur the lines between reality and abstraction, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of space, time, and movement.

One of the exhibition's most striking features is its exploration of space, both tangible and abstract. Through the lens of photography, artists capture the essence of space, reinterpreting its three-dimensional nature and imbuing it with new meaning. Time becomes a central element, as photographs juxtapose the past with the present, capturing the ever-changing nature of temporal experience.

The exhibition also offers a thought-provoking examination of human bodies and inanimate formations. While photographs freeze motion, the artists manipulate this stillness to imbue their subjects with a sense of movement and transformation. Through the use of multiplicity and unexpected devices, they create dynamic compositions that challenge viewers to reconsider their understanding of the photographic image.

As visitors explore "The Circle Was a Point," they are reminded of photography's enduring influence, transcending borders and time. From early camera obscura techniques to modern light writing methods, the medium continues to reinvent itself, reflecting the dynamic evolution of art and society.

In curating this exhibition, Sama Alshaibi and Amir Hazim have not only showcased the talent of Middle Eastern and North African artists but have also offered a compelling meditation on the power of photography to transcend boundaries and shape our understanding of the world. "The Circle Was a Point" is not merely an exhibition; it is a journey through time, space, and imagination—a testament to the enduring legacy of the photographic medium.

For art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike, "The Circle Was a Point" is an unmissable opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich and diverse world of Middle Eastern and North African photography. With its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals, this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Location:The Foundry Downtown  

Dates:Until March 24, 2024  

Presented by:Barjeel Art Foundation  

Curated by:Sama Alshaibi and Amir Hazim