GOLDEN GATES - Contemporary Art from the Middle East October 20, 2009

GOLDEN GATES - Contemporary Art from the Middle East
October 20th to 13th November 2009
Daniela da Prato of F&A Projects presents Golden Gates, a new group show featuring some of the most dynamic work by contemporary artists from the Middle East. Opening in Paris in the heart of the Marais at 46 Rue de Sévigné on the 20th October, this insightful exhibition showcases paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and installations by a cross generational selection of artists who represent a diversity of voices from across the region.
Coinciding with the FIAC, when the art world’s focus is on Paris, Golden Gates provides an excellent opportunity to see the artistic creativity emerging from countries including Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Lebanon and Turkey. As art world insiders look to the Middle East as the most interesting emerging market, this show takes an in depth view and looks set to challenge our cultural preconceptions.
Whilst the work on show is often a response to local themes in a region undergoing significant changes in cultural, economic and geo-political fields, it also reveals a new creative perspective on global issues. Themes tackled by the artists in Golden Gates include: the human condition, the environment, urban life, consumerism, the role of women and notions of tradition and iconography,
Golden Gates includes: Hassan Sharif’s critiques of consumerism, Zena El Khalil’s reactions to life in Beirut, Amal Kenawy’s transformational sculpture, Mehran Mohajer’s photographs of urban life and Hale Tenger’s work on the issues of progress and human civilisation. These works highlight the impact of new and emerging spaces for contemporary art in the Middle East. Many of the eighteen artists showing in Golden Gates have work in museum collections and have participated in a number of Biennales including the ongoing Venice Biennale.

Exhibition Venue: Golden Gates is at 46 Rue de Sévigné, PARIS 75003
Tel: +33 1 53 45 28 14, Opening hours: Everyday, 10am – 7pm