Sara Benabdallah, Fi Ghiabiha (In Her Absence) , 2024
Booth M3
Nil Gallery’s booth at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2024 delves into the intertwined themes of memory, myth, and identity, presenting works by Gommaar Gilliams, Malik Thomas, Slimen Elkamel, Sara Benabdallah, and Nabil El Makhloufi. Together, these artists offer a nuanced dialogue on the interplay between the personal and the collective, the real and the imagined, inviting viewers to explore the universal resonance of human experience.
Gommaar Gilliams’ layered abstractions immerse the viewer in meditative spaces where nature and spirituality intersect. Through vibrant colors and dynamic forms, he captures the cyclical rhythms of the natural world, evoking a sense of quiet introspection.
Malik Thomas brings intimacy to the forefront of his practice, merging abstract figurative painting with hand-dyed textiles to explore themes of desire, memory, and vulnerability. His emotionally charged compositions, often depicting male figures in moments of longing, dissolve the boundaries between reality and imagination, capturing fleeting encounters that resonate deeply.
Slimen Elkamel expands the narrative through surreal compositions that bridge Tunisian folklore with metaphysical inquiry. His intricate, dreamlike works challenge viewers to contemplate the unseen forces that shape existence, blending cultural heritage with a mystical sensibility.
Sara Benabdallah, in turn, grounds the exhibition in cultural and social critique, addressing themes of gender, resilience, and tradition through her evocative photography. Her series, such as ‘Al Astrulabiya’ and ‘Dry Land’, reflect on Moroccan identity while blending historical narratives with contemporary realities.
Nabil El Makhloufi brings these themes full circle with his vibrant, dreamlike works that explore migration, belonging, and cultural in-betweenness. Drawing from his Moroccan roots and European influences, his poetic approach to color and form conveys the complexities of living between worlds, crafting a visual language that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Together, these artists dissolve the boundaries between abstraction and figuration, tradition and innovation, personal and collective.
At Booth M3, NIL Gallery invites visitors to engage with this tapestry of stories, where memory, myth, and identity converge into powerful expressions of contemporary life.
