Hamad Butt's lethal elegance explored in first retrospective at IMMA Dublin

The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin is showcasing 'Apprehensions,' marking the inaugural retrospective of British-Pakistani artist Hamad Butt, which will be on display until May 5, 2025. Butt, who was born in Lahore, passed away at the age of thirty-two in 1994 due to an AIDS-related illness. Curator Gregor Muir highlighted that Butt's 1992 triptych 'Familiars' contains hazardous materials that could be dangerous if not handled properly. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with London's Whitechapel Gallery, includes significant installations such as 'Transmission,' originally presented in his 1990 Goldsmiths degree show. Additionally, 'Familiars' features three perilous sculptures: 'Cradle,' 'Substance Sublimation Unit,' and 'Hypostasis,' along with lesser-known pieces that delve into themes of contamination and loss, showcasing a sleek minimalistic style with harmful materials.