Anticipation is soaring as we count down to the 60th Venice Biennale (Instagram), slated to run from April 20 to November 24, 2024. Breaking ground in more ways than one, the Biennale is set to make history with its chief curator, Adriano Pedrosa, hailing from Brazil. Pedrosa’s appointment marks a significant milestone as the first Latin American curator to helm this prestigious event.
With the theme “Foreigners Everywhere” at the forefront, Pedrosa’s vision promises a deeply introspective journey into the realms of migration, exile, and the myriad experiences of diasporic and indigenous communities. Fearlessly embracing the politically charged term, Pedrosa aims to navigate the complexities of marginalisation and otherness while spotlighting underrepresented modernist movements, particularly those originating or reimagined in the Global South.
As the art world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Pedrosa’s curated selection, the steady stream of national pavilion announcements serves as a poignant reminder of the Venice Biennale’s role as a global nexus for artistic expression. Each announcement adds to the fervour, offering a tantalising glimpse into the diverse array of voices set to converge in the famed Italian city.
Here are the Arab artists who will represent their countries at this year’s leading art event:
Egypt
Renowned artist Wael Shawky is set to mesmerise audiences showcasing his immersive sculptural installations, performance art, film, and painting. With a focus on historical folklore and contemporary realities, Shawky’s work delves deep into themes of nationalism, identity, and colonial legacies. At the Giardini venue, visitors can expect a transformative experience as Shawky blurs the boundaries between past and present, myth and reality. Concurrently, his second solo exhibition, “I Am Hymns of The New Temples,” opening at Venice’s Museo Palazzo Grimani on April 17, offers further insight into his multidisciplinary approach and profound artistic vision, solidifying Shawky’s status as a leading voice in the global art scene.
United Arab Emirates
Artist Abdullah Al Saadi and curator Tarek Abou El Fetouh are set to grace the United Arab Emirates Pavilion at the prestigious Arsenale venue. Al Saadi, a prominent member of the pioneering “Five” group of Emirati conceptual artists, brings his multifaceted talent to the forefront, spanning across various mediums including painting, performance, and photography. Drawing inspiration from his personal experiences, Al Saadi’s work often takes on a playful yet profound tone, as seen in pieces like Stone Slippers (2013), where natural stones are transformed into whimsical installations resembling flip flops. Collaborating once again with Abou El Fetouh, a distinguished curator at the Sharjah Art Foundation, their partnership promises to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of culture and identity. With Al Saadi’s previous representations of the UAE at Venice, including participation in group shows at the pavilion in 2011 and 2015, the duo’s upcoming showcase is eagerly anticipated as a highlight of the Biennale’s lineup.
Lebanon
Lebanon’s contribution shines through the work of artist Mounira Al Solh, whose installation “A Dance with her Myth”, curated by Nada Ghandour and Dina Bizri, promises to be a highlight at the Arsenale venue. Featuring 41 artworks spanning across video, sculptures, embroideries, drawings, and paintings, Al Solh delves into the reimagining of ancient myths, providing fresh perspectives on the transmission of cultural heritage through generations. This multifaceted presentation invites viewers to engage deeply with narratives that resonate across time and space, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring power of storytelling in shaping collective identity.
Turkey
Renowned artist Gülsün Karamustafa is set to showcase the vibrancy of Turkey’s contemporary art scene at the Arsenale venue as she represents the Turkey Pavilion. Known for her profound exploration of contemporary Turkey and historical injustices, Karamustafa’s exhibition will feature multidisciplinary works spanning installation, assemblage, sculpture, painting, and videowork. With her artistry transcending borders, Karamustafa’s pieces have garnered global recognition, resonating with audiences worldwide. Bige Örer, director of Istanbul Biennial, describes Karamustafa as one of the foremost figures in Turkey’s contemporary art landscape, noting that her layered artistic practice tackles pressing issues of displacement, migration, exile, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender, offering poignant reflections on the complexities of the modern world.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s representation at the Venice Biennale will be embodied by the acclaimed artist Manal AlDowayan. Hailing from Dhahran, AlDowayan is celebrated for her participatory approach, which delves into collective memory, the nuances of forgetting, and the lived experiences of women. Among her notable works stands “Suspended Together” (2011), an installation comprising 200 fibreglass doves, each adorned with permission-to-travel documents generously donated by Saudi women spanning various ages. These documents symbolise the bureaucratic hurdles faced by Saudi women seeking to travel. AlDowayan’s recent participatory performance, “From Shattered Ruins, New Life Shall Bloom” (2023), showcased at the Guggenheim in New York, beckons audiences to engage in collective deconstruction. Participants are invited to crush porcelain totems resembling ancient scrolls, adorned with poignant texts and imagery related to gender, fostering a powerful act of communal reflection and transformation.
Morocco
Morocco’s inaugural participation in the Venice Biennale is marked by a flurry of last-minute disruptions and changes, signaling a dynamic entrance onto the global art stage. In a surprising turn of events, the Moroccan delegation has appointed Mouna Mekouar as the curator, while replacing the previously announced curator and artists, in a controversial decision. Stay tuned for more about the country’s participation in this year’s Biennale.
Oman
Oman makes its second appearance at the Biennale with an exciting roster of artists led by curator Alia Al Farsi, the esteemed founder of Alia Gallery. Titled “Malath-Haven,” the exhibition serves as a homage to Oman’s historical role as a sanctuary for travellers, embodying a refuge for sailors, merchants, and immigrants throughout time. Joining Al Farsi on this creative journey are four talented artists: Dr. Ali Al Jabri, Essa Al Mufarji, Sarah Al Olaqi, and Adham Al Farsi. Through their diverse backgrounds and artistic visions, they collectively aim to capture the essence of Oman’s multicultural legacy. As visitors embark on this sensory and artistic voyage, “Malath” invites them to delve into Oman’s rich history and culture.
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