Project Space Art Jameel’s first ‘Research Studio’ is devoted to the renowned Madrid-based foundry Factum Arte and its non-profit sister organisation, the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Conservation. Working with Art Jameel, members of the Factum Foundation team have spent the past few weeks in Al-Balad in Jeddah, scanning and documenting the architectural heritage of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and home to the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Jeddah). Describing their work as ‘digital mediation’, the Factum Foundation has become known for its particular approach to documenting, preserving and replicating architectural heritage and ancient objects. Milestones include creating an exact facsimile of Tutankhamun’s tomb through to, most recently, scanning and reproducing a replica of a 3,500-year-old statue of Idrimi, in the collection of the British Museum (and previously too fragile to be moved). The Factum Arte studio is also highly admired for its role in working with contemporary artists – including Anish Kapoor, Mark Quinn, Rashid Koraichi, Louise Bourgeois, Ahmed Mater and Abdulnasser Gharem – to produce the most complex of artworks.
Factum’s previous work and ongoing concerns are currently reflected in a ‘Research Studio’ – a work-in-progress-style informational exhibition – which runs from April 13 until April 20. More information about the exhibition here.
Project Space Art Jameel, Warehouse 48, The Yard, Alserkal Avenue