The Profound Impact of Mohammed Kazem’s Life-Altering Experience at Sea
Introduction to Mohammed Kazem
Mohammed Kazem, an acclaimed Emirati artist, has established himself as a pivotal figure in the UAE’s contemporary art scene. His work transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together themes of nature, technology, and human experience. One particular event from his youth, however, significantly shaped his artistic direction.
The Incident That Changed Everything
In the mid-1990s, Kazem faced a harrowing experience while fishing with friends when he fell overboard. Ignored by his companions due to the noise of the engine, he found himself floating alone in the vast Gulf, disoriented and terrified. "They lost me for more than half an hour in the deep sea," he recalls, highlighting the isolation and confusion that enveloped him.
Emotions and Reflections
During this episode, as the horizon stretched endlessly around him, Kazem grappled with both fear and awe. Instead of a fear of the sea, he emerged with a deep appreciation for its magnitude and indifference to human life. Ideas of boundaries and territoriality dissolved, leading to a fascination with GPS coordinates, an interest that would profoundly influence his art.
Artistic Response: The Directions Series
Kazem’s experience at sea inspired him to create the Directions series, a set of works that explores the concept of GPS coordinates in a fine-art context. His latest piece, Directions (Merging), is a digital installation that reflects not just his personal experiences but also the global interconnectedness facilitated by technology.
Art Dubai 2025 Presentation
This latest iteration of Directions will be unveiled at Art Dubai, commissioned by Julius Baer, a Swiss wealth management firm that has been enthusiastic about promoting digital art since 2015. In his newest work, Kazem incorporates animations of water, creating a visually dynamic narrative that highlights the ever-changing relationship between humans and the sea.
The Installation’s Unique Design
Directions (Merging) features a room specifically designed for the installation, where walls adorned with global shoreline coordinates juxtapose against a mesmerizing video backdrop of rolling waves. Notably, Dubai’s coordinates hold a central position, symbolizing the city’s role as a meeting point for diverse cultures—a theme Kazem emphasizes in his reflections.
Thematic Depth: Connectivity and Resource Exchange
Kazem’s work delves deeper than mere visual aesthetics; it comments on resource exchange and humanity’s interconnectedness in a globalized world. As he states, "Dubai is a meeting point for people coming from different countries,” reinforcing the city’s identity within a global context.
Collaboration and Evolution
The development of Directions (Merging) involved collaborations with mixed-media artist Zlatan Filipovic, as they meticulously redesigned the project to consider aspects like color palettes and sensory details. Both artists opted for white coordinates against a darker backdrop for maximum visibility while initially pondering the inclusion of sound—ultimately deciding against it to maintain the installation’s focus.
Future Aspirations
Kazem envisions taking his concept outdoor; perhaps displaying on an LED billboard or a public installation, yet he recognizes the challenges this format would pose. “With indoor projects, we don’t have issues. There’s no dust, no humidity, no water,” he notes, highlighting the pragmatism underlying his artistic vision.
The Artistic Toolbox: GPS Coordinates
For Kazem, GPS coordinates have transcended their utilitarian function and emerged as a vital medium for expressing complex narratives about nature and human existence. He has developed this concept over years, engaging in diverse projects that range from indoor installations to international exhibitions.
Past Showcases and International Recognition
Kazem’s innovative approach has gained international support, illustrated by his representation at significant events like the Venice Biennale, where his work Walking on Water showcased the darker aspects of his maritime experience. This installation highlighted the fusion of technology and emotion, framing his personal story within broader environmental themes.
National and Global Influence
Kazem reflects on the UAE’s rapid growth as a contemporary arts hub, noting the emergence of prestigious institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi as vital to nurturing local talent and promoting international engagement. "We now have art fairs, like Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art," he articulates, underscoring the created eco-system for artists.
The Evolution of Artistic Acceptance
During the early years of his career, the landscape was starkly different. Kazem remembers a time when contemporary art faced skepticism not just in the UAE but across the Arab world. He credits the improvements in higher education as critical for fostering a more vibrant artistic community, enabling new generations of artists to thrive.
Participation in Art Dubai 2025
Kazem is set to present his work during Art Dubai 2025, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 18-20, with previews on April 16 and 17. This event promises to further heightened the conversation about art’s role in shaping cultural narratives within a modern context.
