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The Third Line, one of the UAE's most avant-garde art galleries, is bringing a multi-disciplinary exhibition titled Roads Were Open/Roads Were Closed starting September 6 to October 2, 2008, that explores conflict in the Middle East beyond the stereotyped propaganda and prejudice through artworks and a series of movies that will play at the gallery as well as Cine Star cinemas at Mall of the Emirates.

Roads Were Open / Roads Were Closed is an interdisciplinary exhibition which maps varying approaches and practices around the experience, perception and memory of conflict-related trauma. Works by Fouad Elkoury, Joana Hadjithomas, Khalil Joreige, Tarek Al Ghoussein and Laila Shawa (whose " Weapons of Mass Destruction" is featured above), will be featured along with a panel discussion with the artists, and a series of films shown over the duration of the exhibition

more after the jump

Along with traditional gallery exhibitions, The Third Line creates paths that ultimately lead to a dialogue between the artists and the public by organizing non-profit, alternative programs including Kutub, a bi-lingual Arab literature appreciation circle and a Documentary and Arab Film Series. The Third Line also hosts- in collaboration with four creative partners - an international multimedia forum for artists and designers called Pecha Kucha Night Dubai.

"Weapons of Mass Destruction" courtesy of Laila Shawa
"Traces of War" courtesy of Fouad Elkoury