‘I met a traveller from an antique land’ A solo exhibition by Emirati artist ALYAZIA BINT NAHYAN curated by Janet Rady.

Alyazia Bint Nahyan connects – things and people. And the title ‘I met a traveller from an antique land’, which she has chosen for the exhibition subtly reflects these connections. Its significance comes from the fact that it is the first line of the poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley, in which the 18th century poet ponders on the greatness of ancient Egypt viewed by the travellers of his day.

Drawing on this analogy, Alyazia’s work pursues connections with ancient civilisations / customs and traditions with more modern mores, so bringing together the past and the present. The exhibition mixes verses of poetry she has specifically selected from a variety of well-known Arab and Western poets with her own works, to underpin her theme of connecting.