Charmed, Khalid Mezaina

/ About

OCCUPY provides the opportunity for artists to take over thejamjar’s front window for a few months during the year on a rotating basis. The prime location at Alserkal Avenue offers the artist exposure at one of the most important art hubs in the world. Every few months we will put out a call out or invite an artist to ‘occupy’ our window with their art. / About the Artist Khalid Mezaina entered the art world through diverse project work in graphic design for some of UAE’s important art institutions, including the Sharjah Art Foundation and Tashkeel, Dubai. His work draws from the fabric of Emirati culture focusing on its architecture, subcultures and communities. His artworks are primarily illustration based, yet extend into the realms of printmaking, surface design, installations and low brow publishing.

Khalid’s artwork has been featured in regional and international exhibitions. He is currently pursuing his final year of MFA in Textiles, at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). / Artist Statement

'I have recently been fascinated with charms and talismanic objects people use to shun away bad mojo and to bring good luck. These charms, usually hung above the entrance doors of a particular space, give an indication of religious backgrounds and beliefs. For OCCUPY, I created a window display on the notion of installing charmed visuals at the entranceways of occupied spaces.

The final display includes a mythical three-headed, neutered street cat (inspired by the feline community found around Al Quoz). It represents a personal interpretation of shunning away bad luck and giving protection to an art space, i.e. thejamjar.'

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