The XVA Gallery in the DIFC hosted the unveiling of ‘Hidden Love’ by Halim al Karim on Wednesday night.
One of the most successful artists to come from XVA, Karim draws on his Iraqi roots to tackle the issue of ‘Hidden Love’ through his distinct and vivid imagery. After surviving the first Gulf War, escaping to the Iraqi desert and living in extreme conditions, Karim emigrated to the U.S. These harrowing events have had a profound effect on his life and form the basis for his art practice.
Renowned for his portrayals of war and conflict, this newest series reflects a change in direction and depicts a love that must remain concealed – the kind that is universally experienced but cannot be expressed in words. In much of the Middle East, outward expressions of affection are not condoned, yet undercurrents of hidden love exist everywhere.
This exhibition is set to coincide with Art Dubai 2011, and marks the opening of the new XVA Gallery, an extension of the well-known café, hotel and gallery located in the Al Bastakiya district.
‘Hidden Love’ will be running until 10 April.
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