Dana Awartani, PS

Dana Awartani’s work critically and contemporarily reinterprets the forms, techniques, concepts and spatial constructs that shape Middle Eastern culture. Drawing from a multitude of historical references, especially Islamic and Arab art traditions, Awartani’s practice bridges continuity and innovation. At the intersection of art and traditional craftsmanship, Awartani’s creations use materials from historic architecture and vernacular and ancient design ontologies. Her work spans painting, sculpture, performance and installation, showcasing a commitment to historically situated and locally sourced materials. This approach sensitively addresses a variety of urgent political concerns such as gender, healing, cultural destruction and sustainability. Central to her practice is an exploration of geometric patterns as an alternative genealogy of abstraction.