LAST CHANCE Nasir Nasrallah: Poetic of Machines

Nasrallah’s solo show is a mythical exploration of the relationship between humans and machines. Through a collection of intricate drawings, paintings, publications, textiles, and installations, the UAE-based artist takes us on a journey into a world of mechanical creatures that exist in an unknown space and time, and is inspired by early Islamic inventions and experiments.

The drawings and paintings are detailed, depicting a variety of unique robotic figures. They are often presented in groups, suggesting a kind of community or society of machines. The exhibition acts as a stage or a set where an unscripted narrative plays out, examining how this community of machines converses, communicates, and interacts, exploring the potential for life in the so-called non-living and vice versa. The work invites us to consider the impact of machines on our daily lives and our ever-evolving relationship with these mechanical beings.

Nasrallah’s depictions of machines are not merely mechanical; rather, he imbues them with personalities, emotions, and even a sense of humor. These elements create a sense of familiarity and intimacy, inviting visitors into the artist’s personal world.

Nasrallah is a recipient of the 2023 cycle of the 421 Artistic Development Program, of which this exhibition forms a part.