Rand Abdul Jabbar's 'Molding Anew' at Lawrie Shabibi, Dubai

At Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai, Rand Abdul Jabbar unveils 'Molding Anew,' her inaugural solo exhibition at the gallery, which expands upon her Desert X Alula commission, themed 'where myths are born of mud and desire' (2024). This exhibition delves into the concepts of myth-making as both preservation and transformation, intertwining ancient Mesopotamian lore with modern stories. It showcases twenty ceramic sculptures from her ongoing 'Earthly Wonders, Celestial Beings' series (2019), which earned the Richard Mille Art Prize in 2022, along with thirty new pieces. The display emphasizes seriality, beginning with 'Tracing Origins' (2022), featuring foil imprints of ceramic reliefs sourced from Iraq by the artist's mother. Sculptural collections include fertility figures, eye idols reminiscent of artifacts from the Tell Brak Eye Temple (1937), and crowns representing accumulated wisdom. Additionally, 'ليكن مذكوراً (may it be remembered)' (2023) incorporates nine mud sculptures inspired by the ancient city of Hatra. Her recent series 'Alphabet' (2024) introduces eighty linen-printed blocks in five arrangements, aligning with chapters of her narrative. 'Inanna's Descent' (2020-2024), a diptych crafted from yellow limestone, explores themes of wayfinding and belonging. Alejandro Stein is responsible for the exhibition's design.