Chiharu Shiota: Departure

Specially commissioned for the opening of the Jameel Arts Centre, “Departure” is a large-scale immersive installation by Japanese Chiharu Shiota. The Berlin-based artist creates a web-like ambience made of large quantities of yarn, which takes over the entire room of the gallery. At the centre, Shiota positions a traditional abra boat, referencing the history of Dubai Creek and of the city. The entire work recalls ideas such as travel, belonging and complexity of human condition, also in reference to the artist’s personal experience of life, divided between Japan and Berlin, where she moved in 1990s.

Shiota’s works always investigate universal topics such as life, death and relationships, by using ordinary objects, namely beds, shoes, keys, boats, dresses and chairs often in combination with thread or organic materials like water, fire and soil.

“Departure” is part of Artist’s Rooms programme, which consists of a series of solo exhibitions of renown artists, with a particular focus on those native of Middle East, South Asia and Africa.