Laylah Ali

This first UK exhibition of internationally- acclaimed artist Laylah Ali will comprise of 17 newly-commissioned paintings and drawings. Continuing her exploration of the social dynamics of violence and cultural difference, Ali meticulously plans and executes every detail in the works' composition.

Playful while at the same time deeply disturbing, the cartoon-like imagery with its ambiguous narratives offers uncanny resonances to present-day conflicts.

Born in 1968 in Buffalo, New York, Ali studied at the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, and received aMFA in painting from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri in 1994.

Her exhibitions include solo exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, New York; ICA, Boston; MCA Chicago; Contemporary Art Museum, St Louis; and MASS MoCA, among others.

Her work was also exhibited at the Venice Biennale (2003) and the Whitney Biennial (2004). Ali lives and works in Cambridge, Massachusetts. the kiss and other warriorsis supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.

The kiss and other warriors exhibition is curated by Cylena Simonds and is part of inIVA's Winter 06/07 season. Ali has produced a publication, Notes with Little Illustration, in conjunction with the exhibition.

Laylah Ali
the kiss and other warriors