Alla Abdunabi's Debut Solo Exhibition Explores Simulacra and Colonial Legacy Through the Barbary Lion
Alla Abdunabi is launching her first solo exhibition, "Are your memories of me enough for you?" at the 421 Arts Campus. This show critiques simulacra and explores how symbols have been preserved over time. It looks into how these symbols can take on new meanings in contemporary settings, often upholding existing power structures. A major element of the exhibition is the Barbary lion, a creature from North Africa that was hunted to extinction by imperial powers, yet still symbolizes imperial strength. Abdunabi addresses the conflict between physical extinction and symbolic endurance, prompting discussions about the ethics surrounding the restoration of colonial artifacts. She is also part of the 2025 421 Artistic Development Program, guided by Jolaine Frizzell, which supports emerging artists in the UAE.
Key facts
- Alla Abdunabi's first solo exhibition is titled 'Are your memories of me enough for you?'
- The exhibition critiques simulacra and the preservation of iconography across history.
- Central to the show is the Barbary lion, native to North Africa, hunted to extinction by imperial powers.
- The Barbary lion survives as a symbol of imperial power and grandeur.
- Abdunabi explores how colonial violence persists through symbols and representations.
- The exhibition questions the ethics of restoring objects with colonial histories.
- Abdunabi is participating in the 2025 cycle of the 421 Artistic Development Program.
- She is mentored by Jolaine Frizzell.
- The program gives early-career UAE artists the opportunity to develop a solo exhibition.
- The exhibition is held at 421 Arts Campus.
Entities
Artists
- Alla Abdunabi
- Jolaine Frizzell
- Jean Baudrillard
- Ismail Noor
Institutions
- 421 Arts Campus
- 421 Artistic Development Program
- Canvas
Locations
- North Africa
- UAE