Introduction
Palestinian artist Hazem Harb returns with a deeply emotional new show, “Not There, Yet Felt,” at Tabari Artspace in Dubai. In this exhibition, Harb explores the theme of displacement, weaving personal memories and collective trauma into powerful visual narratives. Set against the backdrop of Gaza’s devastation, Harb’s work invites viewers into a tender, layered conversation about home, identity, and resilience. Here’s a closer look at the seven standout highlights from his latest exhibition.
1. Aluminium Self-Portraits
The exhibition features a striking series of aluminium self-portraits, shaped from the artist’s head and chest silhouettes. Instead of traditional features, these dark forms are filled with vivid images of the walls from Harb’s destroyed family home in Gaza, captured by a photojournalist and his nephew. The unexpected colorful hues—blue, pink, and yellow—reveal layers of forgotten memories.
2. “Hope Is Power” Neon Artwork
Hovering above the self-portraits, a neon piece reads “Hope Is Power.” The word ‘power’ flickers intermittently, symbolizing the fragility and uncertainty faced daily in war-torn regions. This installation captures the central emotional tension of the exhibition: fragile hope amidst chaos.
3. Crumpled Self-Portrait on Paper
In a powerful visual metaphor, Harb displays a large printed self-portrait where the paper edges are aggressively crumpled. This distortion echoes the artist’s feelings of disturbance and the physical and emotional damage endured by displaced individuals.
4. Wall Peeling Collage Works
Harb also presents hand-made collages where wall peelings take on figurative shapes. These calming, textured works delve into the idea of memory layers, blending the remnants of his Gaza home with imaginative, almost dreamlike forms.
5. Figurative Paintings from 20 Years Ago
In a surprising addition, Harb unveils early figurative paintings created two decades ago. These pieces offer insight into his artistic evolution, resonating with the flowing forms that characterize his new works. The connection between past and present is quietly powerful.
6. Medical Gauze Body Sculpture
One standout piece features a standing body sculpted from medical gauze, representing both vulnerability and endurance. Wounded yet resilient, the sculpture captures the essence of survival and the capacity for renewal after devastation.
7. A Romantic Shift in Tone
Compared to his previous exhibitions’ raw, violent passion, “Not There, Yet Felt” introduces a softer, more romantic atmosphere. The gentle color palette and poignant wall texts, such as “Your Skin Is My Homeland,” infuse the show with tender melancholy and unwavering love for home.
Conclusion
Through “Not There, Yet Felt,” Hazem Harb masterfully transforms personal loss into collective memory. His exploration of displacement, hope, and identity offers viewers a deeply moving experience, while the exhibition’s softer, more romantic tone signals a hopeful, if uncertain, path forward. If you’re in Dubai, this exhibition is a must-see, running at Tabari Artspace until May 27.
For more on Dubai’s vibrant art scene, check out our feature on Top Contemporary Art Exhibitions in Dubai 2025.
External Sources: Arab News: Hazem Harb Exhibition Coverage
