Huma Bhabha’s ‘Distant Star’ Lands at David Zwirner Paris

Summary

• Huma Bhabha debuts new sculptures and drawings in her first Paris solo show since 2009
• The exhibition runs alongside her presentation with Giacometti at London’s Barbican Centre

David Zwirner’s gallery in Paris is showcasing the solo exhibition titled “Distant Star” by Pakistani American artist Huma Bhabha. Renowned for her hauntingly unique hybrid creations, Bhabha introduces six sculptures and a collection of substantial drawings in this exhibit. These pieces delve into themes of time, deterioration, and metamorphosis.

At the gallery’s entrance, you’ll find the main artwork, titled “Distant Star” from 2025. Made of iron, it takes on a weathered, reddish hue and appears like a vigilant protector. With age, it will further oxidize, emphasizing Bhabha’s concept that time serves as a powerful sculpting agent.

Within the gallery, a collection of five sculptures – crafted from materials such as cork, clay, Styrofoam, and found objects – are displayed on sleek black pedestals, reminiscent of long-buried artifacts unearthed from the past. Bhabha meticulously chisels and builds up these structures, applying wet clay to accentuate their rugged, weathered textures. Certain figures showcase skulls of animals and wire frameworks, stirring thoughts of both ancient and futuristic ruins.

The area around the statues is filled with big sketches made from ink and collage materials. Each sketch showcases a figure wearing a hood, featuring slits for eyes, drawing inspiration from both historical religious paintings and modern street fashion. Stripped of facial details, these images evoke a sense of eeriness yet retain a sense of humanity.

The exhibition titled “Distant Star” marks Bhabha’s first solo presentation in Paris since 2009. This show coincides with “Encounters: Giacometti” at London’s Barbican Centre, where her artworks are displayed in a conversation with the sculptures of Alberto Giacometti.

David Zwirner Paris
108 Rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
France

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2025-06-18 18:55