While the Coffee Grounds Settle

Fathom Gallery, Washington DC

Curated by Dirwaza Curatorial Lab

Maitha Hamdan, Precautions (2021) video stills, courtesy of the artist.

This exhibit celebrates the diversity of women in the United Arab Emirates through the lens of fluid, inclusive spaces that center cultures of femininity.

Featuring women artists spanning generations and backgrounds, the exhibition examines traditionally feminine spaces as venues for social exchange, as well as for women’s leadership and togetherness. Such spaces foster a sense of community through the construction of common interests and shared values and help document the evolution of women’s power and narratives throughout time.

The living room as a vessel takes center stage throughout the exhibition. It is a space of liberation and exchange that organically preserves oral histories, passing on narratives of culture and society. The living room, the Majlis, and other spaces of this kind have their own nuanced cues, codes, and hierarchies to maintain structure and clear communication, however, they are almost always colored with humor and allow space for curiosity, new ideas, and fresh voices.

This exhibition highlights interior spaces that witness generational initiations directly impacting the authorship of women throughout history. These congregations become the classrooms that give license, authority, and create change in the nation we know today. Featured artists: Aisha Juma, Aliyah Alawadhi, Areej Kaoud, ARUUA, Ayesha Hadhir, Azza Al Qubaisi, Bénédicte Gimonnet, Dima Abou Zannad, Fatema Al Fardan, Fatima Uzdenova, Fatma Lootah, Ghada Al Sayegh, Hala Al-Ani, Hala El Abora, Khawla Al Marzooqi, Maitha Hamdan, Malda Smadi, Nahla Tabbaa, Dr. Najat Makki, Noura al Neyadi, Rand Abdul Jabbar, Sara Ahli, Taqwa Al Naqbi, Zainab Imad Eddin, Shaikha Al Ketbi, Shamma Al Amri.

September 23 - October 14, 2022