Events
Exhibitions
Why Can’t They Dance
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Image supplied
Exhibitions
Why Can’t They Dance
Ethnographical and Cultural Study of White Australia from 1950-1970
Event Information
Experience Ahmad Sabra’s solo exhibition Why Can’t They Dance, exploring a futurist perspective where White Australia no longer holds the power, providing a unique perspective of the tables turning. In this world, once ethnic minorities are now in a position to reframe and explain history with little experience, knowledge, or care for the meaning behind White Australia’s cultural practices. While the subject of this work is White Australia, Ahmad reflects the experiences of many ethnic, cultural and religious minorities across Australia and the daily microaggressions and violent manifestations of racism they endure.
Ahmad Sabra would like to thank Nour Abouzeid, whose narration and collaborative support were invaluable during the development of this piece.
Exhibition dates: 21 April – 22 May 2022
Entrance Gallery in Henderson House, Footscray Community Arts
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am – 5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Date & Times
- When
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21 April – 22 May 2022
- Venue
- Footscray Community Arts
- Cost
Free
Meet the Artist
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Ahmad Sabra
Narrm/Melbourne artist Ahmad Sabra identifies as a Lebanese Australian Muslim. His current art practice challenges the complex terrain of nationality, loyalty and faith. In the realm of artistry, Ahmad offers his unique perspective on the world around him and the challenges of his daily encounters for a deeper understanding of sense of place and belonging. He explores the life of Australian Muslims, tackling stereotypes and biased views that isolate this community as ‘outsiders’, highlighting trends in cultural, societal, and political influences and the divide fuelled by fear, panic and xenophobia. Along with White Australia’s tendency to be monolithic and two dimensional in its depiction of cultural, religious and ethnic minorities – Islamic culture in Australian society being one.
Ahmad has captured raw footage of the Syrian and Palestinian refugee crises, documenting the tragedies in real time over the past ten years. Building on this experience, he obtained his Master’s in Art- Photography from PSC in 2019, and has exhibited at galleries across Melbourne and Sydney.
