Breaking Boundaries : by Nasser Al Salem & Josh Rowell | Firetti Contemporary, Dubai

Breaking Boundaries brings together antipodal linguistic and cultural aspects of communication through the works of Saudi Arabian artist, Nasser Al Salem and British artist, Josh Rowell.

It is considered a truism that a language is a crucial tool for successful communication in all walks of life. Since early history, humans have crafted languages in order to refine communication. The emergence of language was a defining moment in the evolution of modern humans, setting the pivotal foundation for all means of dialogue. Throughout the history of linguistics, the expansion in methods of communication has led to an unlimited potential for interpretation. 

In Breaking Boundaries, Al Salem and Rowell use language as the core of their artistic practice, however, both artists explore and juxtapose concepts of communication in diverse ways. Through the works of Josh Rowell, we are presented with a language that explores and reshapes information, and celebrates the hand-made in a time that is increasingly being enveloped by the virtual. Nasser Al Salem, on the other hand, pushes the boundaries of age-old Islamic art by re-inventing it in non-conventional mixed media forms and by exploring its conceptual potential. 

The exhibition will unveil the first ever NFT by Al Salem Allah (He is the First and Last), and first NFT of the series Virtually Fragile by Rowell. Taking yet another step into the means of language and spreading ideas through an unfamiliar channel, both artists are closing the gap between the two worlds of the digital and physical. The  presented NFT’s provide a unique and individual administration into crypto-communication, so that viewers and collectors are able to appreciate not only the digital possibilities of their work, but also the tangible potential of both the physical and digital being showcased side by side.

With Breaking Boundaries, Firetti Contemporary once again pushes the importance of the gallery to act as a platform for connecting minds and concepts within a global cultural space, by intersecting ideas and themes of significance towards the forefront of the art scene.