Shahzad Ghazi Solo Show 'Grace versus Strength' at Leila Heller Gallery
Shahzad Ghazi’s solo exhibition, 'Grace versus Strength: The Elements of Ornament,' is set to open on May 27, 2022, at Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai. In this exhibition, Ghazi explores ornamentation as a form of visual art, drawing inspiration from both Islamic and modern influences. He defines ornamentation as enhancing functional objects purely for visual enjoyment. By studying patterns from mosques and historical buildings, he uses these motifs to express complex ideas. This event signifies a revival of interest in ornamentation, which had been overlooked in Western and Asian art during the 20th century. Ghazi believes that the form of ornament can convey deep meaning, encouraging viewers to consider the balance between utility and decoration.
Key facts
- Shahzad Ghazi's solo show 'Grace versus Strength: The Elements of Ornament' opens at Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai.
- The exhibition opens on 27 May 2022.
- Ghazi experiments with classic Islamic art and modern art focusing on ornament usage.
- He describes ornament as 'the elaboration of functionally complete objects for the sake of visual pleasure.'
- Ornament has been systematically excluded from mainstream Western and Asian art for most of the 20th century.
- Ghazi studied patterns in mosques and historical buildings to understand formulas and codes.
- Ornament communicates primarily through form, not subject matter.
- The show presents ornament as a theater for passion, beauty, and invention.
Entities
Artists
- Shahzad Ghazi
- Shahzad Hassan Ghazi
Institutions
- Leila Heller Gallery
Locations
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates