Nottingham Contemporary is currently hosting an enthralling survey of the work of Hamid Zénati, marking the second-ever institutional exhibition of the Algerian-German artist. Following his acclaimed solo debut at Haus der Kunst in Munich, this exhibition, titled "Two Steps at a Time," celebrates Zénati’s nearly sixty-year career. As a self-taught artist, Zénati's journey from a translator in the mid-1960s Germany to an influential figure in contemporary art is both inspiring and reflective of his era’s dynamism and cross-cultural exchanges.
Zénati's body of work is characterized by his unique 'all-over' signature style, which manifests as a vibrant confluence of forms, patterns, and colors. His prolific output spans various media, including textiles, fashion, ceramics, wearable sculptures, and photography.
Each piece is a testament to his inventive spirit and refusal to be confined to a single artistic discipline. The artist's ability to navigate and merge these different realms underscores his identity as an imaginative and free-thinking creator.
The two-room exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary does not fail to showcase Zénati’s mastery over a range of materials and techniques. His textile paintings, for instance, are particularly striking. They embody a rich tapestry of influences, seamlessly blending North African modernism, Japanese textile design, Sahrawi patterns, and the set designs of Sonia Delaunay. Zénati’s work is imbued with organic forms inspired by nature, further enhancing the abstract visual language that he developed throughout his career.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Zénati's ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. His textiles and wearable sculptures are not merely aesthetic objects but also vessels of cultural synthesis and dialogue. Through intricate patterns and bold colors, Zénati pays homage to his North African heritage while also engaging with global artistic traditions. This intersectionality is evident in the diversity of materials and techniques he employed, from intricate embroidery to avant-garde fashion design.
The exhibition's double heighted layout at Nottingham Contemporary allows visitors like me to experience Zénati’s work in a manner that is both immersive and educational. The inclusion of large print exhibition notes, artwork labels, and wall texts ensures accessibility for all visitors. Additionally, exhibition notes are available in multiple languages, including Polish, Arabic, and Urdu, reflecting the artist’s inclusive ethos and the gallery’s commitment to reaching a broad audience.
I also witnessed generous support from the Hamid Zénati Exhibition Circle, including organizations and individuals like the Barjeel Art Foundation, Rafik & Najoua Foundation, Maria Sukkar, Mercedes Vilardell, Sara Tayeb, and Selim & Houda Bouafsoun, who have been instrumental in bringing this exhibition to fruition.
Rating: 4.5/5
Overall, I felt that 'Two Steps at a Time' is more than just a retrospective; it is a celebration of Hamid Zénati's boundless creativity and his role as a bridge between cultures. This exhibition not only honors his past contributions but also invites new generations to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of his artistic vision.
Additionally, Nottingham Contemporary has succeeded in creating a fitting tribute to an artist whose work continues to speak volumes about the power of art to transcend borders and connect diverse worlds.
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