Artists featured in Barjeel Art Foundation’s inaugural exhibition, Peripheral Vision, examine what is beyond the direct line of sight, unveiling truths about their unique Arab identities and the complex struggles facing their communities and countries. Works in the exhibition expose different aspects of social, political and geographical landscapes that may be obstructed and out of focus. In doing so they also express and realise the contradictions and complexities of contemporary culture.

Paintings, photographs and sculptures created by artists from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates are featured in this exhibition. Depicting realities that lie just outside direct vision, these contemporary Arab artists are in many cases informed by experiences they have encountered on the margins of society. Standing on the edge looking in, they are able to bring to light realities with which entire communities can identify.

The artists use a variety of media – paint, cement, rubber stamps, photography, newspaper, palm leaves – to offer their own understandings of Arab identity, gender relations, memory, place and geographical boundaries.