BELONG? Sara Khayat’s two years in Gävle

During her ICORN residency, Sara Khayat has held two solo exhibitions- ‘HOME’ and ‘BELONG?’- and has taken part in several group exhibitions, including at HK-Valad, the University of Gothenburg, and Den Nye Konsthall in Denmark. She has also led workshops on themes such as art, freedom of expression, democracy, Pride, and equality, engaging participants of all backgrounds, cultures, and ages.

‘HOME’, Khayat’s first solo exhibition was displayed at Länsmuseet Gävleborg, and later at Nikolaj Kunsthal in Copenhagen as part of the 2024 ICORN General Assembly. This multimedia exhibition combines still illustrations, accompanied by sound and animation, co-produced with composer and sound artist Professor Suk-Jun Kim and Aya Khrbotile. ‘HOME’ delves into the complex emotions surrounding the concept of home, navigating the challenges of finding a new home and starting anew.

Her second solo exhibition, ‘BELONG?’, was on display at Gävle Art Center between June and July 2024. Through this exhibition, Khayat explores her own experiences of exile and migration, as well as the feeling of ‘in-betweenness’ it evokes, touching on the universal human need to belong. The installation focuses on themes of uncertainty and security, identity and creativity, and social and cultural norms in different contexts. ‘BELONG?’ features dozens mixed-media works, including hand-drawn pieces, digital art, stop-motion videos, and a knitted piece.

In addition to her exhibitions, Khayat collaborated with Gävle Pride, the Cultural Council, and Gävle municipality on The Tree Family Project in July and August 2023. She continued this work in Helsingborg in partnership with Södercen and @söder during in the summer of 2024.

Sara Khayat continues her artistic journey in Sweden and welcomes opportunities for collaborations, projects, and exhibitions.