Oasis Magazine is proud to present ‘A Miniature (Af)fair’ by Saudi artist Noura Bouzo. The exhibition is the artist’s latest solo show in Riyadh, where she will be exhibiting her newest mixed media artworks as well as installations, from December 10th until December 12th, 2012.
With a background in Art History, Bouzo has been greatly influenced by her love for the history of Islamic art. Her studies coupled with years of being borne witness to the growing changes in the perception of value within the contemporary society has led to her latest series of artworks. The artist, in her latest series, acts as a visual cultural commentator and critic and brings to light the nuances present in our contemporary society.
A Miniature (Af)fair presents a collection of witty paintings and installation pieces that evoke Islamic miniatures and 14th century Islamic objects through today’s materialistic world. The artist, who received her masters in Art History with an emphasis in Islamic art, depicts scenes that were based on classical fables and religious stories demystified with modern backdrops of fairs and amusement parks. Arabic scientists, from Islam’s Golden Age, struggle to find a voice amongst plastic toys in a crane game; paradise is just as attainable as those newest pair of designer shoes; and Noah’s arc stands still in the desert with popular animals on board.
Once poised and illuminated with intricate gold foil, the characters appear lost or amused only to be illuminated by amusement park lights or just left to fend for their own significance. Their garments, illustrated in treatises with arabesque patterns in beautiful colors, have been replaced here with colorful bubble wrap patterns. Calligraphy plays a sedentary role unlike the key role it played in Islamic scientific treatise, assemblies, and its main role in religious treatise.
At first sight, A Miniature (Af)fair, through its apt use of traditional and everyday sayings, leaves the viewer fervent, however, the series also leaves them disheartened by the state of our contemporary society and its ephemeral ideologies.
Exhibition: Noura Bouzo: ‘A Miniature (Af)fair’
Location: The Globe, Al Faisaliah Towers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dates: 10 December - 12 December 2012
Opening Reception: 10 December 2012, 7 pm
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