Exhibition
Windows to My World presented the work of Rabee’ah Dilbert in the artist’s debut solo exhibition at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Comprised of a collection of images and writings, the assembled artworks in Windows to My World encouraged audiences to challenge misconceptions surrounding Islamic culture in the aftermath of 9/11 through the artist’s intimate revelation of her personal life and cultural roots.
Visitors to the exhibition were confronted with both colour and black and white photographs that reflected on the struggles of the Palestinian people—a reality that is often misrepresented by the media. These emotionally poignant studies included portrayals of children throwing stones in self-defence; depictions of the universality of love and the bonds of family, and of women’s pride and agency in expressing their Muslim faith and identity. Complementing the images on display, the exhibition included an assortment of 30 poems and prose texts written by the artist, which further contextualised the message of cultural diversity and inclusivity inherent in Dilbert’s practice.
Windows to My World was curated by Natalie Urquhart and ran from 20 January – 23 March 2004. The exhibition was on view at Grand Old House, an off-site venue that hosted National Gallery exhibitions for several years, and also travelled to the artist’s birthplace of Cayman Brac.
About the Artist
Rabee’ah Dilbert
b. 1972
Rabee’ah Dilbert was born in Cayman Brac in 1972. Although her interest and ability in poetry, art, and writing were evident at a very early age, she pursued a degree in Economics at the University of Tampa, Florida. During this time, Rabee’ah reverted to Islam. In 1999, she and her family moved to Houston, Texas, where she pursued her dream of becoming a writer. There, she also created and successfully launched FIT IT – a unique fitness program for the Muslim community. Then, in 2000, Rabee’ah and her family moved to Saudi Arabia in order to learn more about their religion. ‘Windows to My World’, her photographic debut exhibition, was conceived as the visual culmination of her poetry and an important milestone on her journey as a self-taught photographer and graphic artist.