Hassan Sharif's First Italian Solo Show Opens at Franco Noero Gallery in Turin

The Franco Noero Gallery in Turin showcases a retrospective of Hassan Sharif (1951–2016), an influential Emirati artist born in Iran who questioned the traditional calligraphy of the Gulf. Additionally, the gallery has announced its new role in representing Sharif's estate in Europe. Sharif, who studied in London and drew inspiration from British Constructivism, Minimalism, and Fluxus, began his artistic journey in the 1970s by creating caricatures that critiqued Dubai's swift modernization following the oil boom. His extensive four-decade career includes drawings, installations, performances, and more, often utilizing found objects to comment on themes of consumerism. Notable works include 'Copper' and 'Rug.' His art is part of collections at major institutions like the Guggenheim and Tate Modern. The exhibition features significant pieces from the 1980s, including 'Cardboard and coir' and the Semy-Systems series. Gallerist Franco Noero expressed pride in showcasing such a pivotal figure in contemporary Middle Eastern art.