thejamjar gallery

May 9 - September 30, 2017

Alserkal Avenue, Unit H74, Dubai, UAE

Sunday - Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 2-8pm

Iskandar is a large scale painting cycle that sets the story of Iskandar (Alexander the Great) in a contemporary Middle East. Through corresponding geographic locations, archeological sites, events and individuals, Iskandar establishes a series of parallels between the historical legend and unfolding events in the region post 9/11 to the present day.

Shadowing the narrative structure and geographic route of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, Iskandar explores a non-linear composite reality set in the 21st century, questioning the ideas of empire, occupation and religious fervor, compounded by the quest for self-realization and utopian civilisation.

This work is created with classical egg tempera paint prepared by hand. An application that offers a contemporary approach to a traditional medium, associating this artistic lineage with the narrative strategies of today.