In my new drawings, I aim to fuse recognisable types with question marks, fuse known narratives with things that are not as easily articulated. The inbuilt narratives within what is recognisable give the viewer a place to start. So, we might start with what looks like a kiss, but what kind of kiss is this? Who are these people?” Laylah Ali
the kiss and other warriors is the first UK solo exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Laylah Ali and will comprise of paintings and newly commissioned drawings. Playful while at the same time deeply disturbing, the cartoon-like imagery with their ambiguous narratives offer uncanny resonances to present-day conflicts and continues her exploration of the social dynamics of violence and cultural difference.
Born in 1968 in Buffalo, New York, Laylah Ali studied at the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, and received a MFA in painting from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri in 1994. Her exhibitions include solo exhibitions at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Contemporary Art Museum, St Louis; and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York among others. Her work was also exhibited at the Venice Biennale (2003) and the Whitney Biennial (2004). Ali lives and works in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
the kiss and other warriors exhibition is curated by Cylena Simonds and is part of inIVA’s Winter 06/07 season. Ali has produced a publication, Notes with Little Illustration
Free Exhibition Event
14 Feb, 6-8pm
An alternative Valentine's music night
Lovers, fighters, singletons and couples - come and mingle, see Laylah Ali's first UK Solo exhibition the kiss and other warriors, sip free champagne or Black Velvet cocktails and listen to a collaborative playlist. To contribute - dig through your music collection and send in the titles of songs which feature either the word 'kiss' or 'warrior' to: mailinglist@iniva.org by
12 February.
In association with Guinness® Foreign Extra Stout
Venue: inIVA, 6-8 Standard Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3BE
Dates/Times: 17 Jan-24 Feb 2007,
Wed – Sat (12-6pm), Private View 16 Jan (6-8pm)
Tube: Old St and Liverpool St.
Admission free. Wheelchair access
Information: +44 (0)20 7729 9616, institute@iniva.org
Supported by Arts Council England
& Esmée Fairbairn
