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Khalil Rabah
A point in time

Collectible Description

Khalil Rabah has created a set of sculptures that reference an instrument invented in the 11th century CE to measure latitude. The Khwarizmi scholar Al-Biruni described this instrument as a machine that does not require calculation tables. Operators of the machine use only sunlight and the three objects that constitute the instrument to draw diagrams that reveal the latitude of their location.Rabah deconstructs the tool and enlarges its elements to create a playful arena on a white marble platform, with an engraved diagram indicating the latitude of the Expo 2020 site. In this work, the artist explores the aesthetic aspects of this historical tool by revealing its constituent elements, setting its orbits into motion and inviting the audience to recognise their position on the planet.

Artist Biography

Khalil Rabah: Rewriting History Through Mimicry and Imagination

Khalil Rabah’s artistic journey began in Jerusalem, Palestine, a city steeped in history and layered narratives—a context that profoundly informs his conceptual practice. Born in 1961 to a family rooted in Ramallah, Rabah pursued studies in architecture and fine arts at the University of Texas at Arlington, gaining foundational knowledge of spatial organization and artistic expression before embarking on a transatlantic exploration of creative ideas. His formative years abroad fostered an understanding of global art discourse and propelled him toward challenging conventions within the art world itself. Rabah’s core concern is with interrogating processes of removal, erasure, and displacement—themes that resonate deeply with his Palestinian heritage and extend beyond geographical boundaries. He doesn't aim to depict scenes; rather, he seeks to destabilize perceptions of reality by employing performative actions that mimic established art-world institutions like biennials, museums, and auctions. These ‘imaginary’ spaces aren’t merely simulations but deliberate critiques of power structures and the ways in which narratives are constructed and disseminated. Rabah meticulously recreates these frameworks—often subtly altering their rules or protocols—to expose vulnerabilities within them and provoke reflection on how history is presented and remembered. His artistic method relies heavily on rewriting and inventing history, a tactic that speaks to a broader intellectual tradition questioning dominant narratives. Influenced by thinkers like Jacques Derrida and Giorgio Agamben, Rabah utilizes concepts of deconstruction and simulacra to dismantle accepted truths and explore the role of representation in shaping our understanding of the past. He’s fascinated by the idea that reality itself is mediated through images and symbols—a preoccupation evident in his recurring use of architectural forms and spatial arrangements as vehicles for conveying complex ideas about identity, memory, and social critique. Rabah's exhibitions have spanned continents, showcasing his distinctive approach to artistic experimentation. From solo presentations at institutions like Galerie Neu Ulm and Kunsthalle Düsseldorf to participation in group shows alongside artists from across the globe—including Qatar Museums—his work has garnered critical acclaim for its conceptual rigor and provocative engagement with contemporary issues. Notably, Rabah’s pieces reside in collections held by prominent museums such as Tate Modern and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, cementing his position as a significant voice within the international art landscape. Currently based in Sharjah, UAE, Rabah continues to push boundaries of artistic expression while maintaining an unwavering commitment to exploring themes of cultural heritage and challenging conventional perspectives on artistic practice.

Khalil Rabah

1961 - , Palestine

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Conceptual art
Date Of Birth: 1961
Full Name: Khalil Rabah
Nationality: Palestinian
Notable Artworks: ['A Point in Time']
Place Of Birth: Jerusalem, Palestine

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A point in time

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Artist Biography

Giclée / Art Print

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P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

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P919BZ $10

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P919XJ $10

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P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

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W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

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W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $40

H24-SILVER $40

H36-GOLD $60

H36-SILVER $60

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Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Khalil Rabah: Rewriting History Through Mimicry and Imagination

Khalil Rabah