our companions

companions illustrated by khalid mezaina . 2023

our companions . 2023 (by khalid mezaina + kyoung mi ahn)

our companions (details) . 2023

scroll books exhibition at the sharjah booth, seoul international book fair . 2023

'our companions' scroll book (detail) . 2023

'our companions' scroll book (detail) . 2023

i'm so happy to finally share my favourite project i worked on this year. i was invited by the sharjah book authority to collaborate with the super talented illustrator kyoung mi ahn on an illustrated scroll book under the theme 'our companions'. the project was launched at the seoul international book fair where the city of sharjah was hosted as their guest of honour.

earlier this year, kyoung mi flew over from seoul to sharjah where we met for the first time to collaborate on this project. we thought of how animals have been companions to humans throughout time and history. with that in mind, we illustrated a number of real and mythical animals, representing both our cultural backgrounds. we also wanted to give a nod to the rich history of manuscripts and book illustration from both the middle and far east.

i can't begin to explain how proud i am of the final outcome of this project. i feel i evolved my illustration style and kyoung mi pushed me to new heights with my stamping technique where i combined both stamping and drawing for the first time which led to amazing results! i also had a chance to fly out to seoul for the first time and attend the book fair as well as explore the city which was so fun and inspiring. it was great seeing my work presented to a new audience outside of the emirates. i hope whoever saw our final scroll book enjoyed it as much as we did working on it.

thank you to the sharjah book authority and mohamed mahdi for the invitation and opportunity to participate in this project. it was truly a wonderful experience and i hope we can work together again in the near future. lastly, a huge thank you to kyoung mi ahn – a true collaborator and friend i'm so happy to add to my life. thank you for everything, and we will work together again for sure!

deep in d.a.n.c.e.

deep in d.a.n.c.e. . 2023

deep in d.a.n.c.e. (relief print on paper) . 2023

deep in d.a.n.c.e. (relief print on paper detail) . 2023

deep in d.a.n.c.e. (relief print on texile) . 2023

deep in d.a.n.c.e. (relief print on textile detail) . 2023

it's the start of a new month and i am happy to share my new body of work – 'deep in d.a.n.c.e.', a series of relief (stamp) prints both on paper and textiles. the new works are currently on show at aisha alabbar gallery's printmaking themed summer show 'press print!'.

'deep in d.a.n.c.e.' is a continuation of my ongoing exploration in stamp printing of capturing moments of dance and joy. i'm really happy with the end result of these prints, considering i'm not working from a designated studio at the moment. these prints were worked on from home, cafes, and friends apartments!

if in dubai, please make sure to stop by the gallery to check out the works in person, as well as the entire exhibition. it's a really great show, and i'm so honored to be exhibiting amongst some of my favourite people in the art world that i call friends. the exhibition runs until 7 september 2023. there's also a line up of programming scheduled during the duration of the show, which includes tours, talks and reading groups. for all the details, please check out the 'press print!' exhibition page via the gallery's website here.

a huge thank you goes to the aisha alabbar gallery team for all their help and efforts in bringing this exhibition together, and inviting me to be a part of it.