Sharjah’s Barjeel Art Foundation has made its way across the pond with an exciting new exhibition, and if you find yourself in London this summer, you can’t miss it. Titled “Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries,” the exhibit is running until Sept. 21 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Featuring over 40 works from the UAE-based Foundation’s collection, the student-curated showcase is an exploration of contemporary Arab art through the lens of boundaries—both physical and psychological.
Set against the backdrop of anti-immigration riots currently taking place all across the UK, the exhibition feels particularly timely, challenging audiences to reconsider their perceptions of division and connection. The decision to use an Arabic title, meaning “boundaries,” was informed by the personal conversations of the eight SOAS students who curated the show, adding layers of meaning that resonate deeply with the exhibition’s themes of conflict, unity, and division and the ways in which boundaries define, restrict, and occasionally, inspire.
The works on display, which range from sculptures made of asphalt sourced from border sites to reflections on the limitations of archival access, challenge the viewer to consider how borders—whether concrete walls or the invisible lines within our minds—shape the creative process and the narratives of those who live within and across them.
Featuring works by acclaimed regional artists such as Zaha Hadid, Ahmed Mater, and Farah Al Qasimi, to name a few, “Hudood” offers fresh perspectives on how contemporary art from the SWANA region can be represented in a gallery setting, reflecting critically on the curatorial approach itself, and acknowledging the boundaries inherent in the act of curation and challenging them in pursuit of more innovative representations.
This collaboration between SOAS and the Barjeel Art Foundation underscores the ongoing need to spotlight the depth and diversity of artistic talent from the Arab world. As Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation and a lecturer at SOAS, remarked, “The exhibition delves into how boundaries influence personal and collective identities, particularly in the context of displacement and migration. It also explores the political and social constructs of boundaries, reflecting on themes of conflict, unity, and division.”
Al-Qassemi praised the students’ contributions, noting that their diverse perspectives brought unexpected richness to the exhibition. “This student-led approach also offered them a unique opportunity to engage directly with contemporary art and curatorial practices,” he said. “Their analytical skills and ability to think critically about complex themes enriched the exhibition in ways we hadn’t anticipated.”
Following last year’s showcase of the foundation’s modern artworks at Christie’s in London, this year’s exhibition takes a different approach, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and relevance. “We are pleased to bring the collection to London for the second consecutive year,” Al-Qassemi added. “With London being a key destination for visitors from the Arab world during the summer, this exhibition offers them a chance to connect with the art of their region.”
