The masterpiece in the latest exhibition at Dubai's Alif Art Gallery is the large mixed media work titled Caesurae of Light during Fajr Salaat.
Uzbekistani artist Vyacheslav Useinov has wrapped fine silk threads around several columns of heavy plastic tubing, in an attempt to capture the many intangible elements of light.
“It is a truly masterful piece,” says Irina Bourmistrova, the gallery’s curator. “He has reappropriated an ancient Chinese technique to show all the many elements of light, and in this piece, he is addressing the transformative element of light through prayer.”
The circular base upon which Useinov has wrapped the brightly coloured threads instinctively draw the viewer to the piece. It is one of the highlights of an exhibition titled Mixed Threads, which is dedicated solely to the textile works from this prominent Uzbek artist.
Bourmistrova says she has seen a deep-seated appreciation for talents with textiles, as well as carpet design, in the Middle East and considers this as an important link between artists here and in Central Asia.
“As a curator, it was important to show the depth of Useinov’s work with textiles. He is well established in Uzbekistan but he only agreed to work with the gallery 18 months ago. I think that his work with woven threads will resonate strongly with people in this region.
“When I first came here, people told me art was on the floor, in the carpets, so I know this work will be well received.”
She also points out that contemporary textile works are under-represented in this region and that they are usually considered to be “largely feminine pursuits”. She adds: “In this sense, it is very interesting to show a well respected male artist who is seriously working with the medium.” As well as the works that focus on thread wrapping, there is also a selection of tapestry pieces on display.
A compelling example of this is an abstract work based on the architecture of the ancient city of Bukhara, as is the group of still-life pieces made entirely from weaving. “Textile is something that interests Useinov because of the process,” says the curator. “He is interested in the time it takes to create these works as well as their presentation – he was very specific about that.” Interestingly, Useinov is also a published poet and can get politically motivated in some of his writings.
However, the body of this show steers clear of any social or moral messages and focuses on light and colour – the base of almost all pieces of visual art.
“For me, these works transform the digitised light that we are so used to seeing around us in the modern world into exceptional art pieces that almost everyone can relate to,” says Bourmistrova.“They exhibit Useinov’s wonderful talent and by showing them in the UAE, we are helping to give a greater platform to this truly distinguished artist.”
• Mixed Threads runs until November 20 at Alif Art Gallery, Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai. For more information, visit www.alifartgallery.ae
aseaman@thenational.ae
