In And I Bathe in Your Nacreous Gaze, the act of seeing becomes more than mere observation, it turns into an intimate exchange where the gaze is not only transferred but rather transformed— integrating the singular with the collective, the playful with the profound. Ibi Ibrahim’s art examines this interplay, exploring the connections between body and space, the intentional and the spontaneous. This exhibition, presented as part of Wusum’s inaugural year, includes 11 photographs and two video works, from a decade of Ibrahim’s practice (2010 to 2020).
Drawing inspiration from May Ziadeh’s Song to the Moon, this show engages with intimate encounters that are comforting, following an approach used by Ibrahim that is grounded in the tension between the familiar and unfamiliar, and asks: What occurs when we enter spaces that seem known, but in fact, are uncharted? How does the gaze shift from mere representation to a tool for exploring new possibilities? Through these inquiries, Ibrahim’s work invites you into a space of vulnerability and connection, encouraging a journey of mutual-discovery. The presented works document various moments in cities and with individuals, reflecting the subtle energies they impart. His early work, often presented in series, transforms familiar settings with the use of staged backgrounds, frames and symbols, to create a space for continuous reimagining, like in the work Habibi wa Habibti (2010) shot in New York.
As a leading voice among Yemeni contemporary artists, Ibrahim’s work is informed by his socio-political and cultural context as a Yemeni-American in various cultural contexts. His practice, which combines story-telling with the recent experimental techniques with expired paper, offers a perspective on Arab identities, particularly through Yemeni viewpoints. The Nacreous Gaze serves as a lens for the viewer to engage with the display on a personal level, creating an environment where shared vulnerabilities become a source of insight. This exhibition does not only highlight Ibrahim’s individual journey but also positions it within the broader discourse of identity, isolation, and the transformative processes of images.
Text by Lina Ramadan
