Khaled Sabsabi and Amalia Pica Dual Exhibitions at PICA in Perth

Two solo exhibitions opened at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) in 2018: "A Self Portrait" by Khaled Sabsabi and "Please Open Hurry" by Amalia Pica. Sabsabi's show, his largest in Australia, features works from the last eleven years focusing on biographical and spiritual themes, heavily influenced by Sufi culture. Highlights include "Corner," a sacred atmosphere piece; "Sanjaq," a banner created during a 2011 trip to Lebanon; "Guerrilla," a photographic series of war-torn Beirut manipulated with nostalgia, comprising 99 photos referencing the 99 names of Allah; and the titular "Self Portrait," made specifically for PICA, consisting of 144 photos with the name of Allah imprinted. The exhibition aims to present a nuanced view of Islam beyond violence and terrorism. Amalia Pica's "Please Open Hurry" is her first Australian solo show, inspired by a residency in Nigeria and research into primate cognitive and linguistic abilities. The title work reproduces hand casts performing the sign language request, subtitled "in memory of Washoe," the chimpanzee who used sign language to ask to be freed. The exhibition explores semiotics and philosophy of language, with a performance inviting viewers to imagine communication using primate grammar. Both shows run until October 7, 2018, at PICA, 51 James Street Northbridge.