Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, ‘The Ghaf Tree’, 2024
The desert species becomes a symbolic totem in a work in this year’s free display in The Regent’s Park
The desert species becomes a symbolic totem in a work in this year’s free display in The Regent’s Park
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, The Ghaf Tree, 2024
Fibreglass, resin on polystyrene over steel armature. Presented by Lawrie Shabibi
About the Work
The Ghaf is a drought resistant tree that can survive in an arid desert, and is essential for the survival of other plant and animal species. It holds cultural significance in the UAE, symbolizing resilience, sustainability, and strength, embodying a deep-rooted connection to nature.
In his practice, Ibrahim selects colours and patterns that harmonize with the work he is creating, infusing each piece with a childlike sense of wonder and a view of the world that brims with exuberance. Yet, within this playfulness, a deeper sense of contemplation and reflection emerges. Each artwork serves as a canvas for his interests in archaeology, psychology and the reinterpretation of familiar objects. By doing so, he reinvents the way we perceive and engage with our surroundings. His art comes from both his personal experiences and the kind of innate memory found in our DNA, which he describes as a ‘primitive urge’.
About the Artist
Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim (B. 1962, Khorfakkan; lives and works in Khorfakkan, UAE) is one of the pioneers of land art from the United Arab Emirates. He makes work inspired by the mountainous desert landscape of Khor Fakkan. He represented the UAE at the 2022 Venice Biennale. He also received the first prize for sculpture at the Sharjah Biennial in 1999 and 2001 and has been a member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society since 1986, founding Art Atelier at the Khorfakkan Art Centre in 1997. He has participated in artist residencies at Trans Indian Ocean Artist Exchange, Kochi Murzi Biennale, India (2016); A.i.R Dubai (2015); Le Consortium, Dijon, France (2009) and Kunstcentrum Sittard, the Netherlands (1994-1996, 1998-2000).
His works have been acquired by international collections including Sharjah Art Foundation; Sharjah Art Museum; Art Jameel Collection, Dubai; Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah; Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha; Kunstcentrum Sittard; the British Museum, London; and Le Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.
Frieze Sculpture is in The Regent’s Park, 18 September – 27 October 2024. No booking required, it is free and accessible to all.
Further Information
Frieze Sculpture runs alongside Frieze London and Frieze Masters, 9 – 13 October.
Tickets to the fairs are on sale – buy yours now. Alternatively, become a member to enjoy premier access, exclusive guided tours and more.
To keep up to date on all the latest news from Frieze, sign up to the newsletter at frieze.com, and follow @friezeofficial on Instagram, X and Frieze Official on Facebook.
