Juma Al Haj: The Return: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Iris Projects is pleased to present The Return (راجعون), a new solo exhibition by Juma Al Haj (b. 1990, UAE).

In his paintings and drawings, Al Haj transcends the confines of calligraphy as he documents personal experiences. His abstract notations appear unconscious, though his process is in fact method-based, calculated and always originating from his personal journals. In this exhibition, Al Haj chronicles self-reflections on existence, triggered by loss. The immersive canvases convey epitomes of spirituality and custom, and explore the implausibility of memories in time.

Whereas Al Haj maintains his distinctive technique of abstracted text, The Return signifies a clear development in his practice - his choice of sand as a medium, the transition from script to tally marks, the shift to geometric abstraction.

The exhibition will be on view as a guest project during Alserkal Art Week from Nov 20-26, 2023 at WH46, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.