Artist's Statement

The work I am showing is very close to my heart because it reflects my interpretation or rather our expression of culture via space and rooms.

The Majlis is a series of photographs documenting different sitting areas regionally. The word 'majlis' comes from the Arabic word to sit. It is amazing how such a space dictates tradition and culture even though it has transformed physically over the years.

There are a variety of majlises of different personalities and styles. We pay a lot of attention to the majlis and a lot of the time put all our efforts into its furnishing and presentation. It also is not promoted or utilised like other spaces to give it some importance but then again majlises can also attain more informal settings which allows it to be more occupied (younger generation).

It is amazing to be able to expose spaces that reflect our very private culture. It is also interesting to see the change that has occurred amidst their walls. Another hybrid culture is formed. This project was inspired by an older project called Presence which also deals with identity and culture but existing in abandoned or semi abandoned spaces. The Majlis project is an extension of that project. It is more detailed. It is honest in its content. A peek into traditional and very private Emirati lives.

Lamya Gargash
2009

Excerpted from Provisions, Book 1, catalogue for the 9th Sharjah Biennial