Hudood: Rethinking boundaries

The exhibition introduces contemporary art from the Barjeel Foundation, with a focus on the overarching theme of "Boundaries" as both a subject and a tool for meaningfully accessing a diverse array of art from the SWANA region.

Delving into the profound implications of walls and borders on artistic expression, the exhibition prompts the question of whether it is the artist's perspective that ultimately transcends these boundaries.

In this context, "Boundaries" are examined as tangible, concrete realities impacting the region, as well as abstract yet potent constructs of the mind, shaping both the artists' works and their biographies. The exhibition encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from sculptures crafted using asphalt sourced from physical borders to reflections on the limitations and opportunities in accessing the past through the archive.

Hudood positions itself as an invitation to engage in various discourses, seeking to be accessible to the general public, the student body of SOAS, and experts in the field alike. Beyond showcasing artworks, the exhibition critically reflects on the very approach and boundaries inherent in the curatorial practice of the student-led collective. In doing so, it aims to offer fresh perspectives and innovative ways of representing contemporary art from the SWANA region within the gallery space.