Colour Codes, 6 September - 10 October, 2007
The Third Line is proud to present Rana Begum's first solo exhibition Colour Codes. The exhibition, sponsored by Goldman Sachs International, is an exploration of the meaning and language of colour, with fusions of Op-Art, Minimalism and traditional Islamic form and design.
Blends of Western 1970's aesthetics and the symbolic, spiritual dimensions found in Islam feature in this work - where elements of colour, line, form and repetition are used to create a pulse of movement and rhythm. This is Begum's 'Unity upon the plane of Multiplicity' - two distinctly different worlds and styles, meshing together creating one solid aesthetic.
Reoccurrences of fundamental forms dominate Begum's work; the square, circle, rectangle, and line pulsate in bright bold colours resulting in a hypnotic and spiritually evocative experience reminiscent of the basics of Islamic art and architecture. Begum describes this rhythmic aspect of her work 'almost like a heart beating.'
Begum's work comprises of three layers. First the aluminium, acrylic or wooden base, then vinyl, signs, electrical, adhesive or warning tapes are meticulously bound over this base forming tightly controlled compositions. Finally, a thick coating of resin is poured over the top, freezing the work in time.
As she incorporates tape and vinyl elements into her work, Begum transforms the material's everyday purpose and with it transcends into the sublime, although the viewers association with these urban objects cannot be forgotten. Their uses - lithographic tape for masking, electrical tapes for labelling and hazard tape for warning - all form subtle messages with the observer. The colours also draw subconscious references to their symbolic power - blood red, hazard orange - all which are inherently coded individually, communicating to each viewer based upon their unique associations.
Begum's choices of colours are intuitive - the selection is made by seeing the reaction of one colour against another, playing with the blurring the line and edges of each shade, side by side, to create balance and harmony. Layer upon layer of overlapping tape creates blocks and strips of colour. For Begum, the repetition and physicality of this process is meditative and reminiscent of prayer. The process of creation is itself a spiritual exercise.
The reflection of light brings this play of colour to another dimension, as the seductively glossy resin surface allows wavelengths of colour within the work to become alive. Drawing upon the science of colour (each colour reflecting a unique variation in light), the works themselves are in constant transition depending on the direction of the light and the viewers' angle of vision.
The work intensifies drastically with this final application of resin, for this is the stage where the artist's pursuit of perfection is proved impossible, confirming, as she explains, that imperfection by man is innate. Perfection, she says, is only obtainable by Allah.
"Supporting the arts and culture of the region strengthens community development and provides a vital link between economic and social advancement. Our involvement in this exhibition gives us a unique opportunity to make our contribution to the community in Dubai," said Wassim G. Younan, CEO of Goldman Sachs Middle East.
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About Rana Begum
Born in Bangladesh, Begum studied art at the Chelsea College of Art and Design before obtaining her Masters in Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art. She currently lives and works in London.
Begum, a practising Muslim explores connections between her works and the values of her faith. 'The natural progression in my work has always included a spiritual dimension; the abstract compositions of colours that occur in the work create a spiritual plane for the viewer to think,' says Begum.
Begum's work has been exhibited widely around the globe including shows at Purdy Hicks and Riflemaker in London, Dahl Gallery in Switzerland, Haines Gallery in San Francisco and Bangkok University, Bangkok. This will be Begum's first solo exhibition and the first time her work has been exhibited in the UAE.
About Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. We provide a wide range of services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, institutional investors, governments, non-profit organizations and individuals. Our headquarters is in New York and we maintain significant offices in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and other financial centers around the world.
Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs has long sustained a commitment to hiring and training outstanding leaders. Our business principles are rooted in integrity, a commitment to excellence, innovation and teamwork. These values enable us to execute successfully a business strategy that is focused on extraordinary client service and superior long-term financial performance for our shareholders.
About The Third Line
Formed in early 2005 by three partners, Sunny Rahbar, Omar Ghobash and Claudia Cellini, The Third Line is an art gallery bringing to Dubai art from the region, which until now has not had a platform. It creates paths that ultimately lead to a lively dialogue between the artists and the public.
Along with traditional gallery offerings, The Third Line organises non-profit, alternative programs including: Kutub, a bi-lingual Arab literature appreciation circle; Hiraf, an exhibition of contemporary Middle Eastern crafts; and a Documentary and Arab Feature Film Series, both of which feature moderated debates after each film screening.
Since The Third Line's inception, exhibiting artists include Golnaz Fathi, Muhammad Zeeshan, Khadim Ali, Saira Sheikh, Ayesha Mariam Durrani, Amir H Fallah, Youssef Nabil, Eric Chan, Shirin Aliabadi, Ramin Haerizadeh, Bahman Jalali, Rana Javadi, Shadi Ghadirian, Lamya Gargash, Raghda Bukhash, Amna Alzaabi, Farhad Moshiri and Laleh Khorramian.
The warehouse gallery features cutting-edge exhibitions, showcases international calibre artists and has an established collectors base.
For general enquiries, please contact:
Courtney
Tel: 0559 260 438
E-mail: courtney@thethirdline.com
Press Release 2007
