Leila Heller Gallery
pcoming solo exhibition by Zeinab Alhashemi, titled 'Metempsychosis: The Soul’s Journey Through Material'.
“Metempsychosis” is a reflection on transformation, where the raw materials of industry and history meet personal healing. This body of work represents Zeinab Alhashemi’s ongoing exploration of the elements that shape her artistic practice, while also responding to the trauma of a life-altering car accident. Metal, now a permanent part of her body in the form of screws and hardware, is exposed in her sculptures as a metaphor for the structures that define contemporary existence. These elements highlight the impact of human intervention in reshaping the environment. At the heart of the exhibition are sculptures made from PVC Roman pillar molds, enveloped in camel hides, a material that symbolises the tension between heritage and industrialism, death and rebirth. The visible screw bolts serve as both functional elements and symbols of mechanisation, echoing the hardware in her own body. These bolts, a recurring motif in Alhashemi’s work, ground her in the industrial era while transforming personal trauma into art.
Bronze sculptures in the exhibition further challenge the traditional role of monumental sculpture by elevating industrial objects, particularly nut and bolt, into iconic symbols of modern strength and resilience. This casting reflects the times we live in, where industrial materials have become monuments of human ingenuity.
“Metempsychosis” is a meditation on the transformation of material, memory, and self. It captures the tension between the natural and industrial, while also delving into the intimate process of healing.
Alhashemi’s work stands as a testament to resilience, reminding viewers that even the harshest forms can hold beauty and meaning in their transformation.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Zeinab Alhashemi is a conceptual artist based in Dubai, UAE. Her multidisciplinary practice explores themes of cultural identity, heritage, and environmental sustainability. Through her site-specific installations and sculptures, Alhashemi seeks to create immersive experiences that provoke thought and dialogue about the evolving landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. With a focus on materials and structures, her work serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of cultural traditions in the UAE.