Today's Edition
RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
The Project Space at NYU Abu Dhabi is hosting an ongoing evocative exhibition titled “Entwined” by Susan Doe until September 17, 2024.
The exhibition delves into the complexities of intersectionality through a series of paintings, sculptures, and installations that challenge conventional perceptions of form and material.
Doe, a California native, is known for her innovative approach to exploring intersectionality through various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
She earned her BS in Business Administration and BA in Studio Arts from Pepperdine University in 2010, followed by an MFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2017.
After completing her studies, she moved to Abu Dhabi, where she became the Artist-in-Residence at Bait 15 and later at the Cultural Foundation.
Doe’s works have also been shown at the Digital Art Gallery in the UAE, as well as various galleries in the US and the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art in Hong Kong.
Doe, an artist renowned for her innovative approach to mixed media, brings her unique perspective to Abu Dhabi.
As a Chinese-American, her work is deeply influenced by her bicultural upbringing, which she describes as a continuous interplay between contrasting elements.
This duality is a central theme in “Entwined”, where Doe blends disparate materials to create cohesive and thought-provoking pieces.
Doe’s series of paintings are characterised by their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, which at first glance appear chaotic but reveal a deeper harmony upon closer inspection.
Her use of colour is particularly striking, with bold hues contrasted against softer tones to create a dynamic visual experience. One of the standout pieces in this series is “Threads of Identity”, a large-scale painting that features a complex web of lines and shapes.
This piece, like much of Doe’s work, is a reflection of her own experiences navigating multiple cultural identities.
The intertwining lines symbolise the interconnectedness of different aspects of identity, while the varying colours represent the diversity within those identities.
Doe’s sculptures are crafted from a variety of materials, including metal, paper, and fabric, and are designed to challenge traditional notions of these mediums.
In “Entwined”, Doe manages to make metal threads appear soft and pliable, while her woven paper sculptures mimic the solidity of stone.
One particularly notable sculpture is “Resilience”, a towering structure made from interwoven metal and fabric.
This piece stands as a testament to the strength and adaptability of the human spirit, with its intricate design symbolising the resilience required to navigate complex social and cultural landscapes.
The interplay of hard and soft materials in this sculpture is a recurring theme in Doe’s work, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of different elements.
Doe’s installations, which are designed to engage the viewer on multiple levels. These installations are immersive experiences that invite visitors to explore the space and interact with the art.
One such installation, “Cultural Tapestry”, consists of a series of hanging fabric panels that visitors can walk through.
Each panel is adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that represent different cultural traditions, creating a sensory journey through Doe’s artistic vision.
Another installation, “Echoes of Heritage”, uses sound and light to create an immersive environment that reflects the artist’s exploration of her cultural roots.
This piece features a series of illuminated sculptures that emit soft, ambient sounds, creating a meditative space for reflection and contemplation.
The use of light and sound in this installation adds an additional layer of depth to Doe’s exploration of intersectionality, emphasising the multifaceted nature of identity.
“Entwined” is a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s own cultural diversity as the city’s rich tapestry of traditions and modernity provides a fitting backdrop for Doe’s work, which celebrates the beauty and complexity of intersecting identities.
Doe, a California native, is known for her innovative approach to exploring intersectionality through various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and installations
