The Counihan Gallery in Brunswick, Melbourne, is set to host Misbaha / The Prayer Beads / مسبحة, an evocative exhibition by Lebanese-Australian artist Ayman Kaake, from 10 May to 27 July 2025. This compelling installation delves into themes of identity, societal pressure, and survival within patriarchal Middle Eastern contexts.
Kaake employs the symbolism of Islamic prayer beads, known as misbaha, to represent the concealment of one’s true self. Through this imagery, he addresses the societal expectations imposed on LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly the pressures to conform to norms surrounding marriage, procreation, and the preservation of family honor. The exhibition poses a poignant question: How far must a queer person go to align with social, political, and cultural norms to survive?
The exhibition features video and sound elements, offering a rich multisensory experience.
About the Artist: Ayman Kaake
Born in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1987, Ayman Kaake is a queer Lebanese-Australian photo-media visual artist currently based in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs. Initially graduating with a degree in telecommunications engineering, Kaake secretly pursued cinematography before migrating to Australia in 2011 to study visual arts. He earned diplomas in photo-imaging and visual arts from Melbourne Polytechnic in 2016.
Kaake’s artistic practice encompasses various mediums, including contemplative photographic portraiture, video works, and sculptures. His work delves into complex themes such as diasporic melancholy, the agony of exile, and socio-political subjects, utilizing contemplative portraiture and sculptural, styled poses.
Throughout his career, Kaake has received numerous accolades, including the 2022 Midsumma and Australia Post Art Award, and has been a finalist in prestigious competitions such as the National Photographic Portrait Prize and the Bowness Photography Prize.
Kaake’s work has been exhibited widely in Australia and internationally, with notable exhibitions including ‘Exulansis’ at the Museum of Australian Photography and ’99 Names’ at the Abbotsford Convent.
For further information or inquiries, you can contact the Counihan Gallery at (03) 9389 8622 or via email at CounihanGallery@merri-bek.vic.gov.au. Updates and additional details about the exhibition can also be found on the gallery’s official website. For more information about Ayman Kaake and his work, visit his official website at aymankaake.com.
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: 10 May – 27 July 2025
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Counihan Gallery, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria
