Exhibition Launch Wednesday 18 September 2013, 7pm – 9pm

IHRC

202 Preston Road

Wembley

HA9 8PA

With the idea of Muslim women’s agency under ‘discussion’ again in the UK, Nasreen Shaikh Jamal al-Lail’s solo exhibition is a timely and ironically relevant contribution to the narrative.  Her installation ‘Beyond the Veil’ will be opening the overview of Jamal al-Lail’s work at the IHRC Gallery spaces in North West London.

Press wishing to register for the launch event should email media@ihrc.org or call 020 8904 4222.  Photos, audio and video clips will be available.

On ‘Beyond the Veil’ Jamal al-Lail states: “The perception of Muslim women at the current time imbues a negativity that presupposes the inferiority of Muslims, in particular Muslim women.  At such a time, subverting this discourse is the essential role of the artist.  These images are challenging the viewer to look, feel and think; gaze beyond the veil.”

With regard to her series Rooftop – also being exhibited at IHRC, she states: “Identity and space are intimately connected; space delineates the scope for identity. This is particularly the case in the context of Saudi Arabia – space necessitates the very ground for a coherent identity. I use the rooftop – open space – as a metaphor for progressive, liberated and open-ended possibility. By placing a young girl – symbolizing innocence – in an open space I am trying to describe how identity flourishes best when there are no barriers, no ceilings.”

Being a Muslim of Arab heritage, and also, being raised partly in Saudi Arabia has deeply shaped the way she perceives cultures and the dynamism inherent in their movements.

Jamal al-Lail will be exhibiting these and other work, including never before seen material. She will be talking briefly about her work and inspiration at the exhibition launch and will be available for interviews on the night and beforehand.

If you would like to attend the exhibition launch or organise a pre-event interview please contact the Press Officer media@ihrc.org or call 020 8904 4222 or 07958607475.  Space is limited so please book early. [ENDS]

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission

PO Box 598

Wembley

HA9 7XH

United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222

Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183

Email: info@ihrc.org

Web: www.ihrc.org

Twitter @ihrc