Dallas Contemporary will presents Anila Quayyum Agha: Intersections. In Intersections, the geometrical patterning of Islamic sacred spaces is explored, confronting the contradictory nature of intersections, boundaries, and traditional binaries – public and private, light and shadow, static and dynamic.

The installation consists of an intricately laser-cut box hung at the center of the gallery. Lit from within, the box casts shadows on the surrounding walls, immersing the viewer into the wondrous geometry of the Alhambra, once a space where Islamic and eastern discourses could co-exist.  and translating the complex of expression of both wonder and exclusion. The medieval Moorish palace is kindred to the mosques of Agha’s homeland — sacred spaces of prayer, discourse, and creativity from which she was excluded.  Like the patterning of the box itself, the concept behind the work is complex and multi-faceted: the Alhambra was once a place where Islamic and Western discourses met and co-existed harmoniously, serving as a testament to the symbiosis of difference.

Anila Quayyum Agha was born in Lahore, Pakistan.  Her work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows at international galleries and institutions, including the Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston; Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids; Heritage House, Dubai; Rohtas 1 Art Gallery, Islamabad; among many others.

Intersections won both the public and juried competitions at ArtPrize Grand Rapids 2014, and its arrival to Dallas Contemporary is occasioned by the inauguration of ArtPrize Dallas.  The exhibition was organized by Justine Ludwig, director of exhibitions and senior curator at Dallas Contemporary.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through August 23.