Abdul-Rahman Abdullah (b. 1977) is an Australian artist whose practice explores the different ways that memory can inhabit and emerge from familial space. Working primarily in sculpture and installation, Abdullah draws on passages of personal history, articulating formative experiences of individual identity within the broader scope of family. Expanding on the narrative capacity of animal archetypes, crafted objects and the human presence, his work is intended to create a physical dialogue between the natural world and the agency of culture. While his own experiences as a Muslim Australian of mixed cultural heritage provide a starting point, Abdullah negotiates shared understandings of individual identity and new mythologies emerging from a contemporary multicultural context.

Abdullah graduated from Curtin University with a BFA in 2012. Since then his work has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of South Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, South Australian Museum, West Space, John Curtin Gallery and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Abdullah is held in the collections of Artbank, Islamic Museum of Australia, Campbelltown Art Centre, Murdoch University, University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Wesfarmers, City of Broken Hill, Art Gallery of South Australia and Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Instagram: abdul_rahman_abdullah

(pictured) Practical Magic | 2016 | stained wood, nylon rope

Current projects

Pro Hart Outback Art Prize - Winner
June 2017 | Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery (NSW)

Every dog will have it's day
Curated by Sophia Cai and Kathleen Linn
July 2017 | Casula Powerhouse (NSW)

Harold Tribe Sculpture Prize
August 2017 | Sydney College of the Arts (NSW)

Upcoming projects

Dark Horizons - Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Khaled Sabsabi, Abdul Abdullah
Curated by Reuben Friend
August 2017 | Pataka Art + Museum (New Zealand)

We are all affected - Eleven collective
Curated by Khaled Sabsabi and Nur Shkembi
September 2017 | Fairfield Museum, Peacock Gallery - Festival of Anxiety (NSW)

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize
October 2017 | Woollahra Council (NSW)