Stemming from the artist’s first live performance piece, Flora and Fauna, 2007, Abdulnasser Gharem here engages with social and ecological concerns. Gharem had wrapped in plastic a conocarpus erectus tree native to Australia on a street in Abha (southern Saudi Arabia), filming time spent within its enclosure: breathing in oxygen produced by the tree. The performance highlights concerns of imported trees that cause damage to the natural ecosystem; an imbalance that resulted in the death of surrounding indigenous trees and plants. Gharem questions any truly beneficial use in the introduction of foreign elements that threaten ecosystems.

Born 1973, Abdulnasser Gharem has gained international recognition and accolades for his artistic practice, which highlight socio-political issues in the Middle East. Solo exhibitions include his first major museum show Abdulnasser Gharem: Pause, LACMA, Los Angeles in 2017. Group shows include Station Museum, Houston, Texas (2016); Louisianan Museum of Modern Art, Humblebaek, Denmark (2016, 2013); the V&A, London (2012-2013); the British Museum, London (2012); the 54th Venice Biennale (2011) and the Gwangju Biennale (2010). Works held in public collections include Palazzo Grassi, Venice; LACMA, Los Angeles; The Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah and BASMOCA: Basma Al Sulaiman Museum of Contemporary Art, Jeddah.