Elsewhere, Here: A Celebration of Contemporary Art from the Middle East at STRYX Gallery
The exhibition Elsewhere, Here brought together a diverse group of contemporary artists from the Middle East. Held at STRYX Gallery in Birmingham, it ran from 31 July to 14 August 2026. This event marked a significant moment for No. 35 Gallery as it moved from a digital platform to a physical space, creating new opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
The show was curated by No. 35 Gallery and STRYX Gallery. It focused on themes such as place, identity, memory, and displacement. The artists presented works that reflect the complex experiences of living between cultures and locations.
The Artists and Their Work
The exhibition featured the following artists:
Elaheh Abbaszadeh
Zahra Zarei
Somayeh Pourasfarnejad
Rihaneh Abarouei
Ahmad Dastband
Parastoo Azizi
Mahsa Taqhri
Zahra Jahromi
Maryam Fatthati
Kamila Rahbar
Vahid Mirkasemi
Alireza Shams
Setare Khani
Sina Saadatmand
Perham Qanad Selaqeh
Each artist brought a unique perspective and style. Their works ranged across different media and explored personal and collective narratives. Together, they offered a rich view of contemporary art from the Middle East and its diasporic communities.
The variety of artistic practices showed the diversity of voices within the region. This diversity was central to the exhibition’s aim of presenting multiple perspectives rather than a single story.
From Digital to Physical: A New Phase for No. 35 Gallery
No. 35 Gallery started as a digital platform. Its goal was to connect artists with audiences beyond borders. Elsewhere, Here was the gallery’s first major physical exhibition. This shift allowed the gallery to deepen its mission.
Seeing art in person changes how people experience it. Scale, texture, and materiality become clear. The physical presence of artworks creates a stronger connection between artist and viewer. This exhibition was a chance to build that connection.
The collaboration with STRYX Gallery was key. STRYX’s location in Digbeth, a creative district in Birmingham, provided an ideal setting. It supported the exhibition’s focus on experimentation and dialogue.
The Exhibition’s Themes and Impact
Elsewhere, Here explored the tension between distance and belonging. The title reflects the feeling of being connected to a place far away while living in the present.
The artists used different media to express this. Their works touched on memory, identity, displacement, and connection. These themes resonate with many people living in diasporic communities.
The exhibition did not try to define the Middle East in one way. Instead, it showed many voices and experiences. This approach allowed the audience to engage with the complexity of the region’s contemporary art.
The show received a strong response from visitors. The opening night during Digbeth First Friday attracted artists, collectors, and local creatives. The positive feedback confirmed the value of physical exhibitions alongside digital platforms.
Supporting Emerging and Woman Artists
No. 35 Gallery focuses on promoting emerging and woman artists, especially from the Middle East. This exhibition aligned with that goal by featuring many such artists.
The gallery also offers services to support artists’ careers. For example, their online platform provides exposure and sales opportunities. This helps artists reach a wider audience.
One useful service is the No. 35 Gallery Artist Representation. It offers tailored support for emerging artists, including marketing and exhibition opportunities. This service helps artists build their profiles and connect with collectors.
By combining physical exhibitions like Elsewhere, Here with digital services, No. 35 Gallery creates a strong support system for artists.
Collaboration with STRYX Gallery
STRYX Gallery played a vital role in making the exhibition possible. Their space in Digbeth is known for supporting independent and artist-led projects.
This partnership reflects a shared belief in the importance of creating new platforms for contemporary art. STRYX’s environment encouraged experimentation and community engagement.
The collaboration also helped bring an international group of artists into dialogue with Birmingham’s local creative scene. This exchange benefits both artists and audiences.
Looking Ahead for No. 35 Gallery
Elsewhere, Here marks a new chapter for No. 35 Gallery. The gallery continues to expand its reach and impact.
The move into physical exhibitions complements its digital presence. This hybrid approach offers artists more ways to connect with audiences.
No. 35 Gallery aims to become a leading platform for discovering and promoting emerging and woman artists from the Middle East. By fostering a global community, it supports unique artistic voices and encourages cultural exchange.
The success of Elsewhere, Here shows the potential of this approach. It demonstrates how digital and physical spaces can work together to support contemporary art.
Elsewhere, Here was more than an exhibition. It was a space for connection, dialogue, and discovery. It invited visitors to consider complex ideas about identity and place through the lens of contemporary Middle Eastern art.
For those interested in exploring this field further, No. 35 Gallery’s platform and services offer valuable resources. They provide a way to engage with emerging artists and support their work.
This exhibition sets a strong example of how art can bridge distances and create new communities. It points to a future where diverse voices are heard and celebrated on a global stage.
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