Her body of work is a fascinating intersection of painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture, where she is known for playfully destabilising the relationship between the figure and the ground. Born in 1979 in the Sultanate of Oman, Radhika Khimji has developed a remarkable artistic practice that spans Muscat and London. Radhika’s innovative approach allows her to reassemble fragmented identities and challenge cultural stereotypes, often employing surrealistic language to illuminate themes that are frequently obscured by censorship.
An accomplished scholar, Radhika studied at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Academy of Arts, ultimately earning her Master's Degree in Art History from UCL. Her works have gained international recognition, with solo exhibitions including “Shift” at Galerie Krinzinger and “Adjusted Becoming,” and she represented Oman at the historic first Omani Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022.
Always proud of Oman, which serves as her muse for many of her pieces, Radhika is unveiling her latest work, "We trapped us in a frame, in the earth: Reflections on a surface," at the highly anticipated Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale 2024-2025. The visually layered installation exemplifies Khimji’s unique ability to navigate various artistic mediums to explore themes of place and belonging.
The piece features a stunning large-scale image of a mountainous landscape, meticulously screen-printed on canvas and mounted on a wooden billboard—an object typically used in urban environments to obscure construction sites or vacant areas. By repurposing this common structure, Khimji challenges viewers to ponder the contrasting notions of revelation and concealment, inviting contemplation on what is hidden from view and the potential futures that lie beyond.
Embedded mirrors within the installation reflect the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic interaction that collapses traditional boundaries of space and time. The reflective surfaces merge past, present, and imagined worlds, blurring the lines between reality and representation. This deliberate choice underscores the billboard’s dual function: as both a façade and a portal, offering a glimpse into the future vision of a place.
"I am influenced by construction sites and spaces that are in the process of being created. They feel like internal landscapes that often relate to my research into child psychology and hypnosis as the space opens up and breaks down how things are built up. These in-between spaces become metaphors for how identity could be a manufactured kaleidoscope of external and internal factors," Radhika has stated in an interview.
Measuring an impressive 1000 x 550 cm, "We trapped us in a frame, in the earth" serves as a monumental entry point for visitors, drawing them into Khimji's exploration of identity and experience. Commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, this installation is a thought-provoking addition to the biennale, aligning with Khimji’s commitment to creating artworks that resonate on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Khimji’s work continues to captivate audiences globally, and her latest installation promises to leave an enduring impact on visitors attending the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale. As they navigate the immersive space created by Khimji, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own notions of belonging and the ever-changing landscapes that shape our identities.
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennale, organised by DCT Abu Dhabi, has launched as a significant addition to the region's cultural calendar. Running until April 30, 2025, this vibrant event features sculptures and large-scale installations by over 70 artists from both the region and around the globe. The Biennale delves into the intricate relationships between public space, environment, community, urbanity, and indigeneity.
Among the standout artists featured are renowned regional and Arab talents, including Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Wael Al Awar, Mohammed Al Hawajri, Farah Al Qasimi, and Khalil Rabah, representing countries across the Arabian Peninsula, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, and beyond. Notably, Omani artist Radhika Khimji adds her voice to this diverse lineup.
Visitors are encouraged to navigate eight specially designed Biennale routes, which showcase the works of participating artists while highlighting iconic locations in Abu Dhabi. The routes are intended to inspire exploration either on foot or by car, offering a fresh perspective on the city's dynamic public life, influenced by its environmental context and architectural development.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche Route, for instance, offers a one-hour walking experience showcasing works by artists such as Wael Al Awar, Oscar Murillo, and Farah Al Qasimi. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route traverses four parks—Urban Park, Formal Park, Lake Park, and Recreation Park—featuring contributions from artists including Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Kader Attia, and Nathan Coley.
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