Shooting the Sky

In an unusual twist, London’s new Ayyam Gallery’s inaugural show is by the same artist that designed the space itself.

Nadim Karam, Wild Cat

Source: Courtesy Nadim Karam

Nadim Karam, Wild Cat

Beirut-based artist and architect Nadim Karam created the exhibition design for the new London gallery, which will also house a series of his paintings, drawings, sculptures and writings.

Nadim Karam, Absurd Moments, 2012

Source: Courtesy of the artist and Ayyam Gallery

Nadim Karam, Absurd Moments, 2012

The show, entitled Shooting the Sky, will feature a number of new works including a series of colourful paintings which the gallery says presents ‘a playful, almost satirical, perception of love and war.’

Nadim Karam and Atelier Hapsitus (Makram el-Kadi, Naji Moujaes, Karim Moallem, Micheal Habib), Untitled, 1997-2000

Source: Courtesy Nadim Karam and Alfred Tarazi

Nadim Karam and Atelier Hapsitus (Makram el-Kadi, Naji Moujaes, Karim Moallem, Micheal Habib), Untitled, 1997-2000

Highlighting the artist’s interest in artworks both reproducing and disappearing into their surroundings, the sculptural works are made of reflective steel, modified through beads, buttons and burns to create patches of rusted brown among the shiny expanses.

Nadim Karam, Planting the Dream

Source: Courtesy Nadim Karam

Nadim Karam, Planting the Dream

Karam is best known for his public art and urban regeneration work, including a number of interventions in cities including Melbourne, Prague, Dubai, Beirut, London and Nara, Japan, which he describes as ‘urban toys’.

Nadim Karam and Atelier Hapsitus (Naji Moujaes, Ramona Abdo, Makram el-Kadi), Untitled, 1994-1997, Manes Bridge, Prague

Source: Courtesy Nadim Karam

Nadim Karam and Atelier Hapsitus (Naji Moujaes, Ramona Abdo, Makram el-Kadi), Untitled, 1994-1997, Manes Bridge, Prague

Karam says, ‘Each urban toy has a message. An open message ready to be inhabited by stories which become mingled with history.’

Nadim Karam: Shooting the Sky runs from 25 January – 9 March at Ayyam Gallery, 143 New Bond Street, W1S

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