People throughout the Arabian Peninsula are taught to live in respectful relationship with spirits that live beneath the earth called “ahl al ‘arth,” (people of the earth). Kuwaiti-Iraqi artist and art therapist Farah Salem grew up aware of regular interactions with these spirits. Her mother and grandmothers explained that while some spirits are peaceful, others are upset when disrespected and could retaliate. As a result, Farah learned about ways of moving through the world mindfully so as to not disturb spirits at rest. The knowledge that, “[she doesn’t] exist alone, but rather in relationship with plants, rocks, animals, and unseen forces” drives her artistic practice.

The exhibition Farah Salem: Uninhibited People of the Earth presents new and existing works across media that continue the artist’s study and artistic reinterpretation of healing and ceremonial migratory practices of people of the Arabian Peninsula that seek to repair one’s relationship with oneself, the earth, and other beings. In Farah’s work, images of landscape and the body merge, tracing affinities between geologic time, somatic movement, ancestral knowledge, and ceremonial rituals. In her performance and video works, movement manifests as an embodiment of agency through which she explores ways to reimagine traditional practices to address trauma, the marginalization of women and immigrant people and the climate crisis today. 

Farah was a Radicle Studio Resident at Hyde Park Art Center in 2021. The body of work presented in this exhibition was started during her residency and has expanded since. Curated by Mariela Acuña, Director of Exhibitions and Residency at Hyde Park Art Center.

Dates: March 15 – July 20, 2025

Location: Kanter Family Foundation Gallery