Sarah Abu-Abdallah’s (b.1990) work challenges the impossible by piecing together improbable elements and connections as a gesture of hope and outlet for new narratives through video, installation, poetry, images and conversations. Initially trained as a painter, Abu-Abdallah was later attracted to the documentary capacities of the camera, as well as the possibilities inherent in video and performance, leading her to create multimedia works. Through references to gender roles and the female experience, Abu-Abdullah’s explores issues of obscurity and value, probing the social and cultural conditions of contemporary Saudi Arabia.
Abu-Abdallah’s solo shows include For the Long Time in a Long Time, Art Jameel Centre, and Kunstverein in Hamburg (2019). Group exhibitions include Durational Portrait: A Brief Overview of Video Art in Saudi Arabia, Athr Gallery, Jeddah (2020), Al Obour, SAC, Jeddah, KSA (2019); Gwangju Biennial, South Korea (2018); Do it Arabic, Sharjah, UAE (2018); Fluidity in Kunstverein (2016) Hamburg, Germany; Co-Workers in Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, France (2015-16); Prospectif Cinéma /Filter Bubble in Centre Pompidou, Paris, France; amongst others.