Zena Assi will be part of the collective ceramics exhibition “Adaptability” at SAMoCA in Riyadh, KSA.
“Adaptability” explores the dynamic use of clay and ceramics in contemporary art and design, showcasing how these materials transcend traditional kiln-fired techniques to incorporate innovative approaches across various domains such as technology, environmental and social commentary. The exhibition will feature an impressive stenographic installation designed to enhance the viewer’s experience.
The exhibition is on view from February 20 to May 25, 2025
Zena Assi, Self-Portrait (detail)
Assi’s “Self-Portrait” series presents an interplay between historical collective memory, personal identity, and social critique. By engaging with war, preservation, and the evolving roles of women, the pieces evoke layered meanings that invite reflection.
The sandbags and suitcases on a concrete base, metaphorically reference strategies of protection and survival during times of conflict, specifically during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Encasing art in concrete, a literal preservation method, becomes a poignant symbol for safeguarding culture and history amidst destruction. The suitcases symbolize mobility and change, suggesting displacement and the challenges of those uprooted by conflict.
The addition of a small 3D-printed resin figurine, serving as a self-representation, makes the work relatable and personal. It connects the audience to the artist’s lived experience.
By depicting a woman, dressed in a suit, engaged in everyday, active roles, the figurine counters traditional, often passive, portrayals of women in art. This creates a dialogue about the shifting roles of women across art history—from being silent witnesses or models to active participants in both personal and collective narratives.