1. A fusion of ancient Egypt and cutting-edge technology

Al Qadiri’s work blends ancient Egyptian mythology with contemporary tools like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. From AI-driven animations to VR recreations of ancient Egyptian heaven, the exhibition bridges the past and the future in surprising ways. “I’m using modern techniques to recreate very ancient imaginations,” Al Qadiri explains, showcasing how futuristic technologies can evoke timeless themes.

“I've never worked on this topic before, but it's a recent obsession, and I wanted people to also experience that history in a new way, but also kind of using this time traveling.” – Monira Al Qadiri

2. Exploration of Humanity and the "Beast"

The exhibition grapples with the distinctions between humans and animals, asking provocative questions: Who is human? Who is beast? Al Qadiri draws on Egyptian mythology, where animals were seen as divine, to challenge modern hierarchies of life. Works like Automaton—rotating sculptures of animal-headed gods with hyper-masculine bodies—invite you to question notions of otherness and the boundaries between human and animal.

3. The exhibition as a "giant experiment"

Describing the project as a departure from her usual practice, Al Qadiri calls it “a giant experiment.” For this show, she created entirely new material, including sculptures, multi-channel video installations, and immersive experiences. The result is an ambitious exploration of death, hubris, and the digital distortion of reality.

“It's like moving into a new phase of my practice. I don't know how people will receive the work, but I'm excited to see what they think.” – Monira Al Qadiri

4. Playful humour masks serious questions

Al Qadiri uses humour to address topics like ecological destruction and human arrogance. For example, Book of the Dead features AI-animated conversations between scanned Egyptian statues, where animal gods argue with a boastful Pharaoh about their worth. This playful approach allows her to deliver profound messages in a way that’s accessible yet deeply impactful.