Tarek Elkassouf's limestone sculptures explore intangible 'Boundaries' in Abu Dhabi

Lebanese-Australian artist Tarek Elkassouf presents his new exhibition Lines from Letters at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The show, alongside the work of Emirati Abstract Artists and Orientalist Paintings, showcases Boundaries, Elkassouf's sculptural art series in the outdoor space that explores the unseen barriers we encounter daily. In the annexe space, the exhibition running from October 13 - February 15, 2025, examines the early concepts of writing and drawing, highlighting the process of written ideas starting to take form.

"It is with great pleasure that the BFAF presents Boundaries, an exhibition that encourages profound reflection on the invisible forces shaping our perceptions," reads a statement by Michaela Watrelot, PhD curator, and director of exhibitions at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. "Through Tarek Elkassouf's sculptural series, we are invited to explore the delicate interplay between the visible and the hidden, offering a mirror to the personal and societal limitations we encounter. Elkassouf compels us to confront the barriers that shape and restrict our lives while simultaneously revealing pathways toward freedom and deeper self-awareness," she adds.

Boundaries

The Boundaries sculptural series by the UAE-based creative explores the perception of intangible barriers that influence us—the areas between what is known and what is mysterious, between what is seen and unseen. The concept revolves around how our views are consistently influenced by the boundaries we perceive around us, which are defined by our societal norms, expectations, personal experiences and fears.

This series includes 29 limestone sculptures adorned with 22ct gold. The sculptural installation invites visitors to explore what defines and confines us. It explores the infrastructure of limitation and liberation that helps us understand the forces that mould our perceptions. The artwork acts as a mirror reflecting our current state of mind and a map showing possible routes toward deeper self-awareness. It is a gateway to exploration. It poses a choice for the visitors—to avoid or confront.

Lines from Letters

This art exhibition examines early concepts of writing and drawing by the artist: poetic, raw and reflective. Each written piece explores themes of strength and unspoken feelings framing the artwork. This literary content forms the groundwork encouraging viewers to contemplate how storytelling and words influence our perception of visible and invisible boundaries.

The drawings and leporellos feature inkwork on paper with cutouts and gildings, where Elkassouf wanted to create a window that takes the viewer inside/outside the paper's surface. They capture the artist's evolving thoughts and feelings. This part highlights the transition in the process, where written ideas start to take form. The drawings depict a range of interpretations, from expressions to detailed studies. Visitors can witness the precise linework, as well as the geometries being born—observing the transformation from letters to lines.

Inter-Connection (ink on paper)

This artwork includes 87 connected drawings, each depicting a study that played a role in developing the Boundaries sculpture. While each drawing can stand on its own; it flows together smoothly, showing the artist's journey from raw concepts to tangible ideas.