Durrah Alsaif believes in art as a force for social change.
Alsaif’s work will be on display at Deer Lake Gallery starting Aug. 18 in the upcoming exhibition Jawahir: jewels. An opening reception will be held Aug. 18 starting at noon.
Alsaif is a native of Saudi Arabia now living in Canada, and much of her practice addresses sociopolitical issues.
“Most of her artwork discusses issues that are considered culturally taboo to talk about in her home country,” a press release says. “Alsaif believes that addressing and critiquing certain topics, especially through art, is one step of making change.”
Alsaif uses photography, performances and installations to explore the cultural identity and differences between the East and the West, as well as the status of women in Saudi Arabia. She investigates the historical status of Saudi citizens, especially women, after the Sahwa Movement (Islamic Awakening) and how it affected the culture thereafter.
Alsaif received her bachelor of fine arts degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and earned its Margaretha Bootsma Award for Exceptional Achievement in the Graduation Exhibition. Her work has been seen at Presentation House, where she was selected as runner-up for the second annual Philip B. Lind Emerging Artist Prize in 2017.
Jawahir: Jewels will run at Deer Lake Gallery until Sept. 15. The gallery is at 6584 Deer Lake Ave., and admission is free. See www.burnabyartscouncil.org or call 604-298-7322 for information.
