Repetitive Dreams > @EdgeOfArabia presents a special event to launch the first UK solo exhibition by Safwan Dahoul @AyyamGallery #London

Edge of Arabia is delighted to invite the public to a special event and accompanying exhibition of large-scale works by Safwan Dahoul, one of the most prominent Arab painters working today. The event will take place on the evening of 8^th May and includes a discussion between the artist and his long time friend and collaborator, Khaled Samawi (founder of Ayyam Gallery), a book signing of his 2009 monograph and a special preview of monumentally-sized paintings and prints from his first UK solo exhibition: Repetitive Dreams (opening on 9^th May at Ayyam Gallery London on Bond Street).

The exhibition title, Repetitive Dreams, refers not only to the subject of Dahoul’s works, but to the enduring influence that dreams have had in his career since starting to paint 25 years ago. Essential to the artist’s work is the universality of dreaming, and the dream’s potential for multiple interpretations. For Dahoul, every event is a repetition of another past moment. Examining a diverse range of subjects, his canvases feature images that recur and evolve while remaining essentially unchanged. This body of work is the first series of paintings the artist has created since leaving Damascus for Dubai last year.

Working in a predominantly monochromatic palette, the artist uses black and grey to suggest deep hollows of space. Echoing the absence of vibrant colours, these muted tones also offer a reflection of Dahoul’s personal life when living in his native Syria.

These paintings often contain a cinematic quality, and the nature and history of dream sequences in cinema are an influence on the artist. Dahoul has recently expanded his practice to experiment with the medium of film, directly engaging with notions of evolution, time and repetition through introducing a durational element. 

The artist has also collaborated with Ayyam Gallery and EOA.Projects to produce eight new limited edition prints, which will be on sale throughout the exhibition.

Artist Talk, Book Signing & Press Preview

Wednesday, 8^th May | 6:30pm

Edge of Arabia, 40 Elcho Street, London, SW11 4AU

Open to the public: 9 May – 2 June 2013

Tues – Sat, 10am – 6pm; closed Mondays

Admission Free