Installation view the only constant, NYU AD Art Gallery Abu Dhabi (2023) | Photo: John Varghese
In the exhibition the only constant at NYU in Abu Dhabi, Haroon Mirza and other international artists explore contemporary landscapes, focusing on the moment when man changes landscape and landscape changes man, from images related to paradise to notions of development and technological pursuit.
The exhibition is part of an ongoing series in which curator Maya Allison explores the concept of landscape as it manifests itself in contemporary art practice around the world. In this context, Haroon Mirza will show his multimedia spatial installation Dyson Sphere.
"The Middle East is a fascinating place, which invests a lot in arts and culture. Their aspiration is to host the best galleries, museums, art schools and institutions within an environment at the front line of climate change. These are cultures emerging from the desert, so traditionally they have wisdom on how to deal with extreme climate, but the West very much inspires their desired way of living. So worryingly, instead of finding solutions from that history, or reducing oil consumption, there is 24/7 air conditioning and gas-guzzling vehicles. That said, I am sure this mindset will change very soon and my goal in many ways is to contribute to increasing awareness.Currently, I’m participating in the Islamic Arts Biennale AWWAL BAIT, which just opened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as the Noor Riyadh art and light festival’s group show “From Spare to Spirit” and the Ishara Foundation’s “Notions on Time” exhibition in Dubai. At the end of February, my work “Dyson Sphere”, initially designed for the “Novacène” exhibition in Lille in 2022, will also be exhibited in the new group show “The Only Constant”, at the New York University Abu Dhabi. I am delighted to bring this piece to this place where the sun is so overwhelming."
– Haroon Mirza, Interview with art of change 21
Haroon Mirza
the only constant
22 February - 04 June 2023
The Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi
