What’s missing tells the strongest story.
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre presents the Australian premiere of celebrated Cairo-based artist Ibrahim Ahmed.
Amidst the Absence, a Present is Felt brings together sculptural and photographic works created between 2020 and 2025, including a new commission.
Through cut-out silhouettes, miniatures and hand-crafted interventions, Ahmed explores absence as a form of presence — felt, remembered and embodied. Personal and political narratives entwine themes of masculinity, migration and colonial legacies, creating works that are both intimate and layered.
This exhibition invites audiences into a conversation about identity, erasure and resilience.
Join us for the opening on Saturday 25 October, 6pm.
PUBLIC PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Exhibition Opening Event
Saturday 25 October, 6–8pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre
An evening of conversation and community featuring a ‘curator in-conversation’ with the artist, live performance excerpt of Lying Down in Public Places and DJ set by Sandee.
In Conversation with Ibrahim Ahmed: Cultivating Practice
Tuesday 28 October, 6–8pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre
Artist PD with Ibrahim Ahmed shares insights on sustaining an international practice.
Cultural Sketch at The Castle
Thursday 13 November, 6–8pm | The Castle
Participatory drawing session inspired by the exhibition’s themes.
Stories That Shape Us: Reframing Masculinity Today
Saturday 29 November, 4–5.30pm | Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre
Panel discussion with Francesca Cavallo, Dalal Smiley and Naveen Jagadeesan.
Lying Down in Public Places
Saturday 6 December, 12–1pm | Central Dandenong
Performative activation by Gareth Hart exploring queer embodiment in public space.
Image credit: Ibrahim Ahmed, Quickly but carefully cross to the other side #47, 2022, Unique photocollage, (detail).
For more information click here
