Nuwa Creations is the brainchild of Katia Al Tal; an extension of her sculptural practice, Al Tal fuses the medium of clay with her love of calligraphy to create a collection of ceramics that is both creative and functional. Harnessing what she believes is the energy of the Earth through its most fundamental level, Al Tal moulds clay into pieces steeped with life and pulsating with vitality.
The French-Jordanian artist-sculptor is inspired by Arabic culture and her travels around the world. Her background in psychology, political science and theatre has also armed her with a unique insight and talent to create distinctive yet practical pieces.
Her new collection of calligraphic ceramics, Sadeem is now exhibiting at XVA Gallery in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. According to Al Tal, “Sadeem is calligraphy in its sublime lightness woven into vibrating clay to honour our daily life in a legendary fashion.”
Using vintage ceramic styles as a starting point, Al Tal then imbues her sculptures with the strikingly graceful and dynamic characters from Arabic calligraphy that is her prime influence. From the delicate cups and saucers to the light bulb shaped lamps, the resulting pieces are objets d’art that reverberate with energy from every curve and stroke.
Fashioned as a Christmas ornament, Fatma’s Hand is inscribed with different Arabic words such as joy, happiness, grace, blessings, celebration and optimism. Also known as Hamsa, the hand of Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima is the symbol of patience, loyalty, faith and resistance against difficulties. In the Islamic world, Fatima’s Hand has for centuries been a powerful talisman and is one of the most popular amulets for guarding against the evil eye. When displayed in the home, it is thought to bring good luck and happiness.
Sadeem will run until 10 January 2014 at XVA Gallery in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
About the XVA Gallery:
Established in 2003, XVA is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent. Exhibitions focus on works by the regions foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene. The gallery’s artists express their different cultural identities and perspectives while challenging the viewer to drop prejudices and borders. XVA Gallery exhibits both locally and internationally; collaborating with galleries and participating in international art fairs, such as Art London, SH Contemporary and Art Basel Hong Kong in order to further expose Middle Eastern contemporary art.
XVA Gallery and XVA Art Hotel are located in Dubai’s heritage district, now called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. XVA founded and organized the Bastakiya Art Fair from 2007- 2010 as part of its commitment to raising the profile of contemporary art practice in Dubai. The XVA Art Hotel serves as an annex gallery for curated exhibitions and participates in the Sikka Art Fair.
XVA Gallery
Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
P.O. Box 373304
Dubai
T: +971 4 3535383
F: +971 4 3535988
E: [email protected]
W: www.xvagallery.com
Opening hours:
7 days a week: 10am – 6pm.
And by appointment outside of working hours.
