Farah Al Qasimi at The Tate Modern: A Tapestry of Colors Weaving Stories of Identity, Society & Colonialism
Words & Photos by Safaa Elidrissi
At first glance, the vibrant colors of Room 12 in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 2 West at Tate Modern create an exhilarating sense of surprise and disorientation. The mesmerizing energy that the room gives off beckons you to immerse yourself further.
The photographs weave layers of emotion and intrigue, showcasing faces and gestures that encapsulate intimate moments. Bathed in vibrant colors, these images draw visitors into a realm where tenderness meets mystery, traditions merge with modern consumerism, and the chilly London weather contrasts with Middle Eastern warmth. The colourful tapestry of cross-cultural lives explores the rich interplay between the legacy of Western colonialism and modern Arab identity, with playful narratives that intertwine the echoes of the past with the realities of the present. The image of the curtains on one side of the room creates a cozy atmosphere, encouraging one to sit and enjoy "Um A-Naar" (Mother of Fire), a horror-comedy television series featuring a jinn that embodies “hysteria, curiosity, spirituality - a desire to be expressive and untethered”. The colorful blankets’ photographs heavily cover the other walls, enveloping the room in a delightful embrace of warmth and comfort. A collection of pictures that beautifully capture the essence of Arab childhood in the vibrant 90s and early 2000s. Each image weaves together nostalgia and emotion, transporting viewers to a time filled with curiosity and wonder.
Farah Al Qasimi (1991 in Abu Dhabi) is a prolific artist whose works have graced galleries and exhibitions around the globe (San Diego, Paris, New York, Chicago, Barcelona and Abu Dhabi). Her talent and unique perspective set her apart in the contemporary art scene. Al Qasimi reflects on how images inscribe identity along the lines of gender, ethnicity, and class. Through her work, she explores the intriguing in-betweenness, where geographic references are intentionally blurred and deliberately buried behind the dizzying colors that symbolize the external noise. This purposely orchestrated confusion aims to represent the complex relationship immigrant communities in the West have with space while also reflecting the significantly remaining colonial influence in the Eastern countries.
Al Qasimi’s artworks showcased at Tate Modern invite viewers into the intimate spaces of her family and friends, offering a vivid exploration of life in the bustling communities of New York and Abu Dhabi. The photographs delve into the complexities of gender roles within these communities while also reflecting the lasting impact of British and Portuguese colonial influences in the United Arab Emirates. Through the use of saturated colors and textures, Al Qasimi vividly captures the whirlwind of digital consumer culture. The experience is further enriched by the creative layering of various image-making techniques, culminating in vinyl wallpapers that bring photography and video to life in a breathtaking way.
