DUBAI / For the first time in the Middle East, Maha Saab will be presenting her work in The Third Line’s Project Space. 'Semblance' uses a post-minimalist approach to translate writings and recordings of natural phenomena and ancient Greek concepts of color through form and mixed materials. The exhibition opens today and will run until January 16, 2013.

image Maha Saab / Trackers, 2010, Paint, paper, thread, tape, Hardware, 139.7 x 60.96 x 7.62 cm / Courtesy of The Third Line

Saab’s works include sculptural drawings of paper, steel and paint that pose as reflective semi-abstractions probing the space between the drawn and the solidified; the written and the heard; the evident and the unknown. Rendered beautifully and technically proficient, Saab’s drawings tap into a myriad of cultural forms whilst adopting a formal approach. Post-minimal in their qualities and aesthetics, her sculptures are closely related to her drawings and often question the existence between flatness and volume.

Works shown are a continuation of a series the artist began in 2010 made of cut and sewn paper that drew away from the conventions of the square and built in perceptions of materiality and language. Included in this show are pieces such as S.D.S Prop for Science, a reference to a contemporary play on 20th century solar science; Street of Jewelers, a phrase from an Oscar Wilde short story; and Trackers, a partially lost story written by Sophocles. Additionally, a metallic sculpture based on a series of “spill” paintings, by minimalist painter Morris Louis, called Forest XYZ will be on display. Contained within each of the elegant works presented by the artist, is an interest in the underlying relationship found between de-contextualized lyrics, lines and phrases. Emphasized through color and materials, the subject is stripped from distracting details and all that remains is the skeletal manifestation of the point of departure; the essence of the inspiration, in its utmost vulnerable, yet beautiful form.

image Maha Saab / Street of Jewelers, 2010, Embridered paper, Sheet Metal, Paint, Hardware, 162.56 x 45.72 x 12.7 cm / Courtesy of The Third Line

image Maha Saab / ForestXYZ, 2012, Stamped Metallic Paper,Water Colour paper,Aluminum wires, 195.58 x 218.44 x 35.56 cm / Courtesy of The Third Line

image Maha Saab / S.D.S Prop for Science, 2010, Sewn paper, paint, hardware, 121.92 x 91.44 x 20.32 cm / Courtesy of The Third Line

Maha Saab

Maha Saab was born in New York. She earned her BFA from Parsons in 2003 and MFA from UCLA in 2007. Recently, Saab had a solo exhibition at Midway Contemporary Art (MN) and was featured in several exhibitions including The Mass Ornament at Barbara Gladstone Gallery (NY). Saab lives and works in Los Angeles.


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