A ZU/CACE Students and Alumni Exhibition

The College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) at Zayed University, presents : Solitude, a expanded photography exhibition by CACE/ZU students and alumnae, at the Alley at MiZa in Abu Dhabi. The group exhibition will be displayed from the 23rd to the 24th of February 2024. The opening will take place on the 23th of February at 17:00 pm.

Location:

https://goo.gl/maps/LpBVfUzrsKKwVtTg6

Throughout history, individuals have grappled with the struggle between asserting control over space and feeling subjected to it. The meaning of life appears to hinge on finding a balance between these opposing forces. In 'Place, Space and Landscape' (2011), Jeff Malpas suggests that 'the deeper significance of landscape...is not restricted merely to...painting but is directly tied to the interconnection of human life with the spaces and places in which that life is lived.'

If humans are physically, mentally, and metaphorically attached to spaces, does this also imply that through representations, they could transcend the limitations of physical space? In moments of solitude, devoid of external presence, individuals engage in internal dialogue. Memories are revisited and reinterpreted as fragments of acquired space. People navigate between feelings of freedom and constraint within their minds.

Solitude is often associated with loneliness, yet for those accustomed to solitude, loneliness may become as natural as being in the world itself. In contemporary urban landscapes and lifestyles, the overwhelming sense of isolation can be palpable. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the need for personal connections emerges, and solitude is often avoided.

The exhibition 'Solitude' aims to explore the theme of solitude and urban isolation through expanded photography practices. The artworks examine the experiences, emotions, and struggles of individuals navigating seemingly privileged lives amidst bustling cityscapes. They shed light on the paradox of being surrounded by millions yet feeling utterly alone, and explore how individuals manage this dichotomy.

This exhibition seeks to present diverse perspectives on the relationship between space and solitude through artworks, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences of solitude in urban environments, fostering emotional connections, and sparking conversations about societal alienation.

About CACE

The College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) develops graduates who are leaders and innovators in the field of art and design practice who will contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of the UAE. Our intensive and rigorous art, design, new media, and exhibition programs are practice based and industry-engaged. Our faculty and staff utilize the latest teaching methodologies, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and an innovative learning environment, to inspire a new generation of creative thinkers. Art and design are major contributors to a nation!s creative economy and in the establishment of a global identity, they are a country’s greatest export.

www.zu.ac.ae/cace

For any inquiries please contact:

Alyazya Almansoori, research assistant at Zayed University

+971 50 488 0950

Dr Ioannis Galanopoulos Papavasileiou, Associate Professor at Zayed University

Ioannis.Papavasileiou@zu.ac.ae