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Hiba Kalache: Embodiment

Past exhibition
Jan 16 - Feb 8, 2025
  • Press
  • Altman Siegel is thrilled to present an exhibition of new paintings by Hiba Kalache at 3067 Sacramento Street. This suite of paintings finds its origins in the Kalīla wa-Dimna, a book of fables dating back to the 13th century. Though the text was first composed in Sanskrit, titled The Panchatantra, in the year 200 B.C., it has been translated numerous times throughout the millennia. From Sanskrit to Persian, from Persian to Arabic, and more. Here, Kalache has translated the ancient text and illustrations yet again, through the act of painting.
    • Hiba Kalache something non human, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 65 in 165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      something non human, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 65 in
      165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Esomething%20non%20human%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2065%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20165.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache can water be thirsty, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 32 x 28 in 81.3 x 71.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      can water be thirsty, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      32 x 28 in
      81.3 x 71.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ecan%20water%20be%20thirsty%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E32%20x%2028%20in%3Cbr%3E81.3%20x%2071.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
  • These folk stories engage universal human themes with animal protagonists and narrators. Each story contains ancient wisdom and powerful political subtexts that remain relevant today. The strength of storytelling has been used over the centuries as both entertainment and propaganda, often to support those with power. Masked in childlike playfulness, these tales are as sly as the two jackals that romp within their pages. In these tales, the Lion is always the leader, always feared, and always obeyed. The enduring power of these associations can be traced up until and through the present moment. Bashar al-Assad’s chosen name, for instance, translates to Lion in Arabic.

    • Hiba Kalache to uncover other skies, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 102 in 165.1 x 259.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      to uncover other skies, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 102 in
      165.1 x 259.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Eto%20uncover%20other%20skies%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%20102%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20259.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache that the vein has, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 41 x 28 in 104.1 x 71.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      that the vein has, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      41 x 28 in
      104.1 x 71.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ethat%20the%20vein%20has%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E41%20x%2028%20in%3Cbr%3E104.1%20x%2071.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache but I dry myself in the sun, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 41 x 28 in 104.1 x 71.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      but I dry myself in the sun, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      41 x 28 in
      104.1 x 71.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ebut%20I%20dry%20myself%20in%20the%20sun%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E41%20x%2028%20in%3Cbr%3E104.1%20x%2071.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
  • Channeling the frenetic energy within these stories, Kalache breaks away from her allegorical source material in pursuit of abstraction. These works are uncompromising in their anguished search for the inexplicable. For Kalache, the painterly process grounds the body in the present moment and also propels ravenous curiosity.
    • Hiba Kalache enough to think that Truth can be, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 86 x 65 in 218.4 x 165.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      enough to think that Truth can be, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      86 x 65 in
      218.4 x 165.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Eenough%20to%20think%20that%20Truth%20can%20be%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E86%20x%2065%20in%3Cbr%3E218.4%20x%20165.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache I lost the secret of Egypt, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 65 in 165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      I lost the secret of Egypt, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 65 in
      165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3EI%20lost%20the%20secret%20of%20Egypt%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2065%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20165.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
  • These compositions often begin on a horizontal plane. They are sprayed with water, and like seeds in a garden they grow. A layer of ink is laid down, then oil, and then in a subversive act, more water and ink. The resulting interaction of oil and water mirror the friction and tension these compositions provoke. From mind to body, and from hand to thought, Kalache’s tireless approach is rooted in inherited movements. The traditions of cooking, crocheting, and other hand crafts were passed down to Kalache through her female relatives. Decades later those same gestures burst forth, with uncontrollable force onto the canvas.
    • Hiba Kalache such madness!, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 28 x 32 in 71.1 x 81.3 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      such madness!, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      28 x 32 in
      71.1 x 81.3 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Esuch%20madness%21%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E28%20x%2032%20in%3Cbr%3E71.1%20x%2081.3%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache free of me and you, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 28 x 32 in 71.1 x 81.3 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      free of me and you, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      28 x 32 in
      71.1 x 81.3 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Efree%20of%20me%20and%20you%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E28%20x%2032%20in%3Cbr%3E71.1%20x%2081.3%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache water on water reverberates, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 56 in 165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      water on water reverberates, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 56 in
      165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ewater%20on%20water%20reverberates%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2056%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20142.2%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache The moon is eaten, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 65 in 165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      The moon is eaten, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 65 in
      165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3EThe%20moon%20is%20eaten%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2065%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20165.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
  • Kalache’s primary focus in the studio is the pursuit of creating fearless, unrestricted, muscular works. Vibrant and intense in color, these pieces are part of a continuous whole, a ceaseless, breathless marathon of painting with the final outcomes serving as a pure conduit for Kalache’s uninhibited spirit.
    • Hiba Kalache the moral of the story, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 56 in 165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      the moral of the story, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 56 in
      165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ethe%20moral%20of%20the%20story%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2056%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20142.2%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache humbaba, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 56 in 165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      humbaba, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 56 in
      165.1 x 142.2 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Ehumbaba%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2056%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20142.2%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
    • Hiba Kalache your Majesty: expectation, nondelivery!, 2024 Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas 65 x 65 in 165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Hiba Kalache
      your Majesty: expectation, nondelivery!, 2024
      Ink, oil and oil bar on canvas
      65 x 65 in
      165.1 x 165.1 cm
      Inquire
      %3Cdiv%20class%3D%22artist%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EHiba%20Kalache%3C/strong%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title%22%3E%3Cem%3Eyour%20Majesty%3A%20expectation%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Enondelivery%21%3C/em%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3E2024%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EInk%3Cspan%20class%3D%22comma%22%3E%2C%20%3C/span%3Eoil%20and%20oil%20bar%20on%20canvas%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E65%20x%2065%20in%3Cbr%3E165.1%20x%20165.1%20cm%3C/div%3E%20
  • Press
    • What to See in San Francisco Art Week

      Hyperallergic, Jan 16, 2025
      This link opens in a new tab.
  • Kalache’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Lyles & King, New York, New York; Saleh Barakat Gallery,...
    Kalache’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Lyles & King, New York, New York; Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon and The Running Horse Contemporary Art Space, Beirut, Lebanon. Group exhibitions include Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France; Consulate General of France in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Villa Romana, Florence, Italy; Beit Beirut Museum and Urban Cultural Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Newcomb Art Museum at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA; The Boghossian Foundation, Brussels, Belgium; California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA; and the San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, CA.
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