The Curatorial Team Unveiled for the 16th Sharjah Biennial
The Curatorial Team Unveiled for the 16th Sharjah Biennial
- Curatorial Team: The 16th Sharjah Biennial has announced its five-member curatorial team.
- Diverse Perspectives: The team includes curators from around the world, promising a rich exploration of contemporary art.
- 2025 Event: The Biennial will take place from February to June 2025, featuring artists from various backgrounds and disciplines.
he Sharjah Art Foundation, the driving force behind the Sharjah Biennial, has officially introduced the dynamic five-member curatorial team responsible for shaping the sixteenth edition of this prestigious event. Natasha Ginwala, Amal Khalaf, Zeynep Öz, Alia Swastika, and Megan Tamati-Quennell will each orchestrate distinct yet interwoven projects for the Biennial, scheduled to run from February to June 2025. Natasha Ginwala currently serves as the Artistic Director of COLOMBOSCOPE in Colombo and holds the position of Associate Curator at Large at Berlin's Gropius Bau. Amal Khalaf, on the other hand, is the Director of Programs at Cubitt and acts as the Civic Curator at the Serpentine Galleries, both located in London. Zeynep Öz operates as an independent curator with a presence in Istanbul and New York, while Alia Swastika holds the position of Director at the Biennale Jogja Foundation in Yogyakarta. Megan Tamati-Quennell is situated in New Zealand, where she curates modern and contemporary Māori and Indigenous art.
Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, emphasized the Biennial’s expansive and decentralized approach, mirroring the diversity of perspectives brought together for its sixteenth iteration. In a statement, Al Qasimi expressed, “These visionary curators have tirelessly advanced scholarship and practice within the realm of contemporary art, leaving a profound impact in both local and international contexts. With each curator contributing their unique approach and viewpoint, Sharjah Biennial 16 promises a vibrant exploration of contemporary art and cultural practice, culminating in a truly polyphonic experience.”
The five curators will extend invitations to established and emerging artists hailing from diverse backgrounds, engaging in an array of artistic disciplines encompassing visual art, performance, music, and publication. While the Biennial has not yet revealed its thematic focus, it will be hosted across various venues within the emirate. Further details, including a comprehensive list of locations and participating artists, will be announced in due course.
