Celebrate the launch of the ALAM عَلَم exhibition catalogue with local artists on Saturday, 24 August, from 11am–12:30pm, followed by a delicious catered light Afghan lunch.

- In-Conversation: Belqis Youssofzay engages in conversation with exhibiting artist Elyas Alavi, explore the profound themes behind his work.

- Performance by Shareeka Helaluddin & Sara El Youghun: to the divine we return–a sonic perfoamance of sound, prayer, voice and movement. This offering embodies and sonifies mourning rituals through dislocated, queer bodies by layering sounds, recitations and movement. Sara will be guiding/inviting a physical collaboration in the form of a communal salat (prayer) to share the healing bounties of spirituality in a daily practice/worship. this work honours the steadfastness of resistance fighters and the endurance of grief for all those lost through the violence of the empire. from the divine we come, to the divine we return.

- Reading by Ali Tahayori: Ali will share a poignant reading from his catalogue entry, reflecting on his childhood memories of Muharram ceremonies and how his relationship with the ceremonies has evolved over time.

- Poetry by Adrian Mouhajer: A Poem About the Places I Am From – A moving exploration of identity and belonging.

Alavi's ALAM عَلَم unfolds through a rich tapestry of symbols, phrases, poetry, faces, body language and community codes, serving as profound reflections on queer Muslim diasporic communities. Each alam in this exhibition resonates with references to significant events, highlighting historical and contemporary figures who bravely advocated for their sexual identity and those who tragically lost their lives due to their sexuality. The exhibition is on view at 4A from 23 August - 6 October 2024.

All proceeds from the ALAM عَلَم exhibition Catalogue will be donated to support a queer organisation. 

We're looking forward to welcoming you! 

Content advice: Some artwork in this exhibition contains symbols, writings and/or visual references that may be sensitive or trigger distress to some visitors. They are not meant to cause offence or disrespect. Please consider this before entering the exhibition.

Program Producer: Maissa Alameddine