Abdulnasser Gharem (Saudi Arabian, b. 1973)

Camouflage exemplifies Abdulnasser Gharem’s fearless practice, which consists of highlighting socio-political issues in the Middle East and thereby challenging authority. First shown at Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Dubai in April 2014 as part of Gharem’s solo exhibition titled Al Sahwa (The Awakening), Camouflage is one of the artist’s largest stamp paintings to date. In its background, the colourful interior of a mosque contrasts with the army tank represented as its canon threatens the viewer. The black hole at its extremity is embellished by yellow flower petals that inject a sense of optimism into Gharem’s large-scale work. With this highly symbolic imagery, the artist proposes a social awakening in the form of commitment against extremism and calls for the restoration of ‘real Islam’ as ground for diversity and the acceptance thereof.
(Marina Iordan)