Guangzhou is now home to a groundbreaking exhibition exploring artistic expressions of land and identity from West Asia, South Asia, Africa, and their diasporas. The exhibition, hosted by the Aranya Art Center, marks one of the first institutional efforts in China to showcase artistic practices from these interconnected regions, offering a unique dialogue between modernist and contemporary works.
Titled after a poetry collection by Egyptian artist and writer Ahmed Morsi, the exhibition delves into the multifaceted concept of land – not merely as a geographical entity, but as a powerful force shaping visual language and personal identity. The show features a diverse range of artists, spanning generations and mediums, and promises a compelling look at how artists have grappled with themes of displacement, permanence, and belonging. This complex region of Asia has long been a source of artistic inspiration.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort, curated by Her Highness Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, and Damian Zhang, Director of Aranya Art Center. The curatorial teams from both institutions have worked together to bring this ambitious project to fruition, highlighting the growing cultural exchange between the UAE and China. The Aranya Art Center, established in 2019, aims to connect art with local communities, and its Guangzhou branch, opened in 2025, serves as a crucial link between the Lingnan region and the global art world.
Among the artists featured are prominent figures like Etel Adnan, known for her vibrant landscapes and poetic writings; Latif Al Ani, a pioneering Iraqi photographer; and Mona Hatoum, whose sculptures often explore themes of displacement and the body. The exhibition also includes works by Rasheed Araeen, Baya, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Simone Fattal, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of artistic voices and perspectives. The full list of participating artists includes Tarek Al Ghoussein, Aref El Rayess, Salah El Mur, Madani Abdulrahman Jahori, Abbas Habiballah, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Samia Halaby, Kamala Ibrahim Ishaq, Iman Issa, Hayv Kahraman, Marwan Kassab Bachi (Marwan), Helen Khal, Anwar Khalifi, Farid Lachehab, Jumana Manna, Khalil Rabah, Zineb Sedira, Hassan Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, and Akram Zaatari.
Sharjah Art Foundation: A Catalyst for Regional Art
The exhibition builds upon the established work of the Sharjah Art Foundation, a leading institution dedicated to promoting contemporary art and cultural programs in the UAE and the wider region. The foundation’s initiatives, including the Sharjah Biennial and artist residency programs, have played a vital role in fostering artistic talent and dialogue across the Middle East and beyond. The Sharjah Art Foundation’s commitment to research and its expanding art collection further solidify its position as a key player in the global art landscape.
Aranya Art Center’s Expanding Footprint
The Aranya Art Center’s expansion to Guangzhou signifies a growing interest in fostering cultural exchange between China and the regions represented in the exhibition. Established in 2019, the center has quickly grow a hub for contemporary art, connecting artists with local communities through exhibitions, research, and public programs. The Guangzhou branch, opened in 2025, aims to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, linking the Lingnan region – known for its rich artistic traditions – with international contemporary art discourse.
Exploring Land as Identity and History
The curatorial framework of the exhibition, inspired by Ahmed Morsi’s poetry, emphasizes the profound connection between land and identity. The exhibition examines how artists have used land as a metaphor for displacement, memory, and belonging, exploring the historical and political forces that have shaped their experiences. By bringing together modernist and contemporary works, the exhibition reveals artistic continuities and intersections across generations, situating contemporary art within a broader historical context. The exhibition’s focus on land also reflects a growing global awareness of environmental issues and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. West Asia, in particular, has a long and complex history tied to its land.
The exhibition at Aranya Art Center represents a significant moment for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. As the center continues to develop its programs and expand its reach, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in connecting China with the diverse artistic traditions of West Asia, South Asia, Africa, and their diasporas. The next step for the Aranya Art Center will be to assess the impact of the exhibition and plan future initiatives that build upon this momentum.
We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences with this exciting exhibition and the broader themes it explores.
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