A major tribute to the great Syrian poet Adonis, including an exhibition of his stunning drawings and a series of literary events.

Adonis is today considered one of the most important figures in the Arabic literary history of the last fifty years, and the Arab world’s greatest living poet. His work has spanned poetry, literary criticism and history, Sufism, politics and contemporary cultural affairs. His drawings are inspired by and include sections of poetry, handwritten in Arabic calligraphy and collaged with layers of found objects. These pieces, like his literary work, combine traditional and contemporary influences.

Exiled to France after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, he worked to bring to Arabic poetry the international recognition it deserved. Even today, when he is more than eighty years old, he retains his fresh and critical outlook on the events of his homeland, attracting controversy and debate because of his cautionary and critical words on the Arab Spring. In 2011, Adonis was awarded the highly prestigious Goethe Prize.

The exhibition will include over 100 pieces of Adonis’ exquisite works of ink on paper.

Exhibition open Tue-Sat 11-6pm, entrance free

Special Sunday opening 25th March 2012, 12-5pm

EXHIBITION BROCHURE

PRESS