Artists and Projects

artist

Muhammad Ali

year

2016

about the artist

Muhammad Ali is an artist from Syria. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus in 2005 and has been exhibiting extensively around the world. Muhammad Ali is now based in Stockholm.

www.mhd-ali.com

about the residency

Muhammad Ali was working as an artist in Damascus until spring 2016 when he arrived in Residence Botkyrka in Fittja. He has since been part of several programmes and exhibitions in Residence Botkyrka and Botkyrka konsthall, as well as released an artist’s book through Labyrint Press.

municipal art collection

Muhammad Ali
I koma / In a Coma
12 reworked photos, 2016

Muhammad Ali arrived at Residence Botkyrka in Fittja in 2016 after having lived with the war for five years. The photographs of his hometown Damascus are blurred and damaged, much like the memory that has left a place marked by conflict. The work reflects the first encounter with a new country and the act of leaving the past behind.

Muhammad Ali, I koma / In a Coma (2016). Botkyrka konsthall, 2019. Foto: Hanna Ukura

Muhammad Ali, I koma / In a Coma (2016). Botkyrka konsthall, 2019. Foto: Hanna Ukura

labyrint press

Muhammad Ali

Labyrint Press, 2016

In the spring of 2016, Muhammad Ali left five years of war behind, and fled his home in Syria for Europe, like many others in his situation.

When he finally managed to step ashore on one of the Greek islands, an official wrote the number “20” on his hand. He was the 20th person to arrive on the 24th day in the 2nd month of that year.

Through a series of diary book drawings, Muhammad illustrated feelings of being reduced from an individual to just a number.

The drawings are exhibited in Botkyrka konsthall, 23 September – 22 October 2017 as well as published in the artist’s book: I’m Just a Number. The book is available in Labyrint, the artist’s book archive in Botkyrka konsthall.

Muhammad Ali, I am Just A Number, Labyrint Press, 2016

Muhammad Ali, I am Just A Number, Labyrint Press, 2016

public art

Muhammad Ali
Växtjägaren / Plant hunter
Riksten, 2023

Public art commission in connection to a pre-school in Riksten.

Muhammad Ali, Växtjägaren / Plant hunter, Riksten (2023). Foto: Olena Kryvoruchko

Muhammad Ali, Växtjägaren / Plant hunter, Riksten (2023). Foto: Olena Kryvoruchko

documentation

collaboration and support

In collaboration with AllArtNow. Botkyrka Residence is supported by Botkyrkabyggen.

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