Rebellious Belly showcases works from Abdullah M.I. Syed’s creative practice of over three decades, produced during the 1990s and 2000s, through to recent major commissions, from intricately constructed tapestry works made from currency to large-scale photographic prints and “floating” installations of small spice-filled parcels suspended by gold thread. This exhibition particularly highlights Syed’s interest in consumption, both literal and symbolic. What we consume – what fills our bellies – evolves into how the latter consumes us, what defines us and what we, in turn, become. Syed will hold weekly live durational performances, exploring this concept by creating clay sculptures of his mouth.
As both a psychological and philosophical response, Rebellious Belly activates our sense – to see, to touch, to smell, to taste, to hear – creating new connections to moments of resistance, reflection and transformation within religious texts, contemporary narratives, and intuitive thought.
Abdullah M.I. Syed, Flesh & Blood, 2017, performance still, Asia Society Museum (ACAW), New York. Photograph: Charlene Wanja Lenny. Courtesy the artist, Gallery Sally Dan Cuthbert, Sydney and Penrith Regional Gallery, Sydney
Abdullah M.I. Syed will be performing a newly commissioned durational work, 99:49 between 1.30–2.30pm in the Main Gallery space on the following days:
Saturday 3 June
Thursday 15 June
Thursday 13 July
Thursday 27 July
Thursday 17 August
Penrith Regional Gallery
3 June to 20 August 2023
Sydney
