Lives Orbit in Mourning

To the burdened, wherever you are and however your days may be,

We hope you are well, at least a little bit. We know you are tired. Life has ‎‎‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ abandoned us.

Our bodies are weighed down by a heavy cloud, blocking our movement. As we revisit that which anchors us, we rethink our sources altogether. What we once knew for certain is no longer of any use. Hence, a journey towards truth has started between and within us, collectively. What is our common ground? Is it the hand that oppresses us, or the love for life that fills our beings?

We do realize that time is non-linear and that history cycles back. The current moment will forever be larger than the image that fails to define it. The land that we belong to is our source of strength—we stand and fall back on it. Its surface and its core know neither limits nor borders.

The core ignites, despite our stammering and impossible dreams.

With this exhibition, we conclude MMAG’s Artist-in-Residence program. The program began in March 2024, hosting eight artists who focused on research and artistic development. Together, the group created a space for experimentation and exchange as a ground for artistic practice.

Artists: Abdullah Al-Assadi, Asha Athman, Basil AlZeri, Jad Dahshan, Nahla Tabbaa, Naser Al Sughaiyer, Omar Alabed, and Waed Qatawneh.

Curated by Reem Marji
Translated from Arabic by Batool El Hennawy
Photography: Mohammad Hawwari