Contemporary Practices

ʻLe Salonʼ for the Jameel Prize, Sakip Sabanci Museum in Istanbul, Turkey

11.Nov.2010 - 09.Jan.2011
“The Jameel Prize 2009” exhibition of Victoria & Albert Museum in London, organised by Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum (SSM), opens its doors on November 12, 2010. The Prize, which is given to contemporary artists and designers who are inspired by the Islamic art and culture, aims to raise awareness of the thriving interaction between contemporary practice and the rich artistic heritage of Islam, and to contribute to a broader debate about Islamic culture. The inaugural prize was won by New York-based Iranian-born artist Afruz Amighi for her submission, 1001 Pages (2008), and will be shown alongside works by the 8 shortlisted artists and designers. The Jameel Prize 2009, which is an exhibition of contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic tradition, can be seen until January 9, 2011.

Africa See you See Me,

From 1 October to 19 December 2010.

Curator : Professor Awam Amkpa New York University

The exhibition, sponsored by Africa.Cont , explores the experience of African immigrants in Europe and offers new perspectives and frameworks of analysis in relation to its presence in Europe.

Through photography, the exhibition presents several stories of African migrants since its uncertain voyage from Africa to Europe, to multiple forms of engagement and building community ties in Europe.

With nearly 100 works that focus on communities in Italy, France and Spain, the exhibition will also give particular importance to some examples in Portugal, where the curator has established contacts with several photographers and associations working in geographical areas marked by the African presence.

Photographic Art ZOOM - Portrait Special Issue

Article by Rosanna Checchi

LE SALON @ L'institut des cultures d' Islam - Paris

In the heart of Paris Berber... Hassan has installed his iconic LE Salon at the ICI which is a place dedicated to the Islamic culture. It is a little bit of a hybrid institution, dealing with local charities, as well as being a platform raising the way Islam is delt with in Europe, Cultural diffusion, with "Art, Islam et Europe" visual Art exhibition featuring an installation by Frncois Morlet, "The Hidden Islam", photography exposition by Nicolò Degiorgis, supported by Martin Parr, and an ins

ZAM Africa Magazine

ZAM Africa Magazine is an independent quarterly published in The Netherlands and a showcase of the talented journalists, photographers, designers and visual artists from the continent. ZAM Africa Magazine is inspired by a vision built in decades of solidarity and engagement with the struggles for freedom and independence. It is highly appreciated by a well educated, affluent audience in the Netherlands and Belgium.

... you can occasionally find him In Beirut -13 and 14 July

Rose Issa Projects gallery will part of the MENASA art fair, at the BIEL (Beirut Exhibitions & Leisure Center), Pavillon royal featuring Hassan' s Kesh Angels triptych.

You can also visit the Beiteddine Palace, where "Le Salon" installation is featured as part of the Jameel Prize exhibition.

Brownbook - North Africa Rising

Issue 22: Brownbook is an urban lifestyle guide focusing on art, design and travel across the Middle East and North Africa.

Check it!

Marrakech Mag

Respect to "Marrakech Mag" for following up on Hassan's bold proposal for the cover of the first edition: a tribute to JamaAl Fna's woman, and a recognition on his pioneer vision.

And the content is fabulously fresh, indie and in the flesh of Marrakesh!

It should be available on the continent and very soon in London...

"KESH ANGELS"

For his second solo show in London, Hassan sharing with us his vision of girls on bikes:Kesh Angels. Directing them in theatrical poses with their scooters, motorcycles and colourful outfits, he creates images that reflect their strength, style and street-smart attitude. In veils and djellabah, the ‘Kesh Angels respect a certain tradition, but their presence is defiantly modern
28 May-26June - By appointment:
269 Kensington High street,London W8 6NA.

"Always moving forward"...

... is a survey of recent work produced by artists from various regions in Africa, responding to emerging technologies, transitioning landscapes, rampant globalization and the forces of capitalism - including the influence of advertising. These artists are linked by a sensibility that has evolved as an intuitive response to the persistent pressure of our media-saturated society. Their new expressions are important developments in the art of image-making and together create a powerful dialogue.

At the Gallery 44, toronto - May 1 to May 29

Curated by Kenneth Montague, featuring:

MOHAMED BOUROUISSA

MOHAMED CAMARA

CALVIN DONDO

SAMUEL FOSSO

HASSAN HAJJAJ
BOUCHRA KHALILI

ANTONY KIMANI

LEBOHANG MASHILOANE

AïDA MULUNEH

DAWIT L. PETROS
ZWELETHU MTHETHWA

GUY TILLIM

ANDREW TSHABANGU

NONTSIKELELO ‘LOLO’ VELEKO

Happy Few!

Since it is a fresh aquisition, "Saida in Green" will be included in the re-hang of the Phtograph Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The new display will feature work fom the 70's to today, The Other Britain Revisited: Photographs from New Society

Hand painted digital C-type prints, with reclaimed tyre frame, 50 x 40 cm, 2000

Double Exposure in Arise Magazine

Editorial project in collaboration with: Nana Oforiatta-Ayim

Featuring: Kyei Boateng, Majda El Bour, Samson Soboye, Nathaniel Habtemariame Ghebretinsaye, Vanessa Mulangala,

Jameel Prize

9 contemporary Artists and Designers inspired by Islamic traditions of craft and design reflecting the richness and diversity. The pieces exhibited vary in scale, and the media employed ranges from jewellery to photomontage to turned woodwork to screen prints. The works show how dynamic Islamic tradition can be, and how complex and eloquent the art and design inspired by this tradition has become...

It was at the V&A last summer, it went to Riyadh and it is now at the National Museum in Damascus City (Syrian Arab Republic) until the 19th of May.

A glims in Hassan's Studio...

... We recently had visitors in Highbury's old pottery workshop which is now Hassan and Zak Ove' s studio.
And we thought you might like to have a look a it too!

Hassan' s pictures part of the Art Fund Collection

Following "Dakka Marrakkesh" Hassan's first solo show in London: Leighton House (2008) curated by Rose Issa: "Saida in Green" and "Jama Al Fna Angels" became part of the Art Fund Collection of Middle Eastern photography at the V&A and the British Museum.

"Saida in Green": Hand painted digital C-type prints, with reclaimed tyre frame, 50 x 40 cm, 2000

"Jama Al Fna Angeles": Digital C-type prints, walnut and mixed cans frame: 93 x 129 cm, 2000

Fashion Ma Rocks

Hassan's friends: Majda Elbour, Kamal Laftimi, and Yvonne Heinemann are organizing a fundraising party, to support school life, and local womens' entreprises from the Atlas Mountains.
Fully supporting the cause, Hassan will contribute by providing his iconic "Le Salon" back-drop.
The singer Oum, the DJs: Vivian Vota, Yvonne, Jean-Marie DELBES aka DJ Jim, David Blot, L'ora, and the designer Amine Bendriouch will be part of it.

Please come along:

Friday 19th February 2010 - 8pm-3am
The Islington Metal Works
Torrens Street
London, EC1V 1NQ

Hassan and the Black Magic

Last summer Hassan impetuously met Jose James, and very casually the 2 Artists got along. Realising they have common friends. Hassan invites Jose on his pop-up studio on Rochelle's school roof, (just like Hindi Zhara)...

...and Hassan' s shot made Jose's cover.
Jose James is releasing "BlackMagic" on the 1st of Feb 2010. We played it over and over here at the Studio and we love its soulfulness. A needed euphonic comfort, suave and jazzy to get us through the winter!

The Jameel Prize in Saudi Arabia

The Jameel Prize (shown at the V&A September 09) has arrived in Saudi Arabia and the exhibition is currently being installed at the National Museum, Riyadh, where it will open to the public from Saturday 23rd January until the 30th January.

The exhibition will be presented by Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Programs, who are funding the whole tour.
We are hoping His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Khojah (Saudi Arabia's Minister of Information and Culture) will enjoy sitting in "Le Salon" during the VIP event next Tuesday, 26 January 2010.

After its showing in Riyadh, it will then travel to Damascus (location tbc). The exhibition will travel to the Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon, the summer residence of the President and venue for the annual Beiteddine arts festival, from July to August.
More venues in the Midle East and North Africa to be confirmed.