The phrase “terms & conditions” often refers to the fixed set of guidelines at the basis of any official contract or agreement. While these extensive specifications are sometimes overlooked in everyday practice, their implementation can powerfully dictate the representation and interaction between people, entities and countries, as well as set parameters that appear rigid over time. Yet, taken apart, the words “terms” and “conditions” convey fluid and precarious concepts that can, in actuality, be continually negotiated and modified.

Many artists with roots in the Arab world work simultaneously across different geographic, physical and cultural contexts, making it difficult to define and constrain them to specific identities and representations. Their work is thus a result of a variety of techniques, which enables them to navigate and speak within multiple contexts.

Terms & Conditions presents an open-ended debate into how history and social realities are represented, with an emphasis on the Arab world. These artists examine the divide between those who control the discourse and those who are silenced or forgotten.

The exhibition is co-organised by SAM and Barjeel Art Foundation, and guest curated by Mandy Merzaban, Curator and Collections Manager of the Barjeel Art Foundation, Terms & Conditions draws upon seminal works from Barjeel Art Foundation, Abraaj Group Art Prize Collection, Musée national de l’histoire et des cultures de l’immigration, Paris, as well as private and artists’ personal collections.

Image: Mona Hatoum, Plotting Table, 1998, wood, MDF, UV lights and fluorescent point, 262.5 x 144 x 81 cm, Barjeel Art Foundation collection. © Mona Hatoum. Image courtesy of White Cube.