Dearly Beloved
A solo exhibition by Jude Abu Zaineh
August 30-October 5, 2024
Artcite Inc. Canada
Dearly Beloved is an intimate homage to ancestral lands, reflecting the intricate ecology of occupied New York and Ontario, where Jude Abu Zaineh resides. This work explores the dynamic interplay of cultural and geographical landscapes through indigenous and introduced plant species and food remnants. Petri-dish environments reveal hidden microbial communities, making the invisible visible while highlighting hybrid existences. These themes symbolize the adaptability of indigenous and exiled peoples to new homesteads and colonized lands, emphasizing resilience amidst change. The exhibition draws parallels between natural cycles of life, death, evolution, and decay, illustrating how these processes sustain and renew ecological systems. Dearly Beloved invites viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationships within nature, celebrating the enduring strength of those navigating and enriching diverse landscapes despite imperial and colonial presence.
Installation shots by Michael Valiquette.