Rayyane Tabet, a Lebanese artist born in 1983 and based in Beirut and San Francisco, is renowned for his conceptual and multi-disciplinary approach, which often incorporates elements of history, memory, and architecture. His project “Découpage, 1891-2021,” represented by Sfeir-Semler Gallery, is a testament to Tabet’s ability to intertwine historical materials with contemporary artistic practices. This work features a frieze of 114 cut-out sheets from an original 19th-century manuscript by Jules Bourgoin (1838-1908), a French scholar who meticulously documented architectural ornaments during his travels in Egypt. Bourgoin’s detailed engravings, published in works such as “Les Arts Arabes” (Arab Arts) and “Les Eléments de l’Art Arabe” (Elements of Arab Art), significantly influenced Western perceptions of Islamic art.

Tabet’s “Découpage, 1891-2021” is a conceptual exploration of hidden geometries within Bourgoin’s documentation. By cutting out and recomposing these individual pages, Tabet invites viewers to reconsider the original context and transformation of these intricate patterns over time. The act of cutting and reassembling the pages reflects a meticulous engagement with the material, resonating with the precision of Bourgoin’s original work while introducing a new layer of interpretation and dialogue.

The use of paper cutouts as a technique has deep historical roots, yet Tabet’s approach is distinctly contemporary. This technique, often associated with folk art and craft, is elevated in Tabet’s hands to challenge the boundaries of traditional art forms and conceptual art. His works are more aligned with conceptual art and post-minimalism, a movement that emerged as a response to the strict minimalism of artists like Donald Judd and Dan Flavin. Post-minimalist artists such as Eva Hesse and Richard Tuttle used unconventional materials and forms to introduce a more personal and emotional dimension to their work, much like Tabet does with his découpage.

The impact of “Découpage, 1891-2021” on the audience is multifaceted. It prompts viewers to engage with the historical and cultural narratives embedded in Bourgoin’s engravings while appreciating the contemporary recontextualization that Tabet offers. The transformation of these pages into a cohesive frieze allows for a new appreciation of the intricacies and beauty of Islamic art, as seen through the lens of a modern artist. The audience is invited to reflect on the preservation of cultural heritage and the ways in which contemporary art can reinterpret and revitalize historical documents.

Tabet’s extensive portfolio includes notable exhibitions at the Walker Art Center, Sharjah Art Foundation, Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works continue to garner international acclaim for their intellectual rigor and aesthetic innovation.

In conclusion, Rayyane Tabet’s “Découpage, 1891-2021” is a profound exploration of historical documentation and contemporary reinterpretation. By engaging with Bourgoin’s 19th-century manuscript, Tabet not only preserves but also transforms these cultural artifacts, offering new perspectives and inviting deeper contemplation on the part of the viewer.

Photo courtesy of Sfeir-Semler Gallery

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