The Sharjah Art Foundation is collaborating with the Sharjah Cricket Academy to host a junior cricket tournament on May 26 and 27, 2023, at Al Mureijah Square. The tournament aims to reactivate Gary Simmons’ public art project, ‘Across the Chalk Line’ (2015), which was originally created for ‘Sharjah Biennial 12: The Past, the Present, the Possible’ (2015). The installation takes the form of a junior-sized cricket oval, inviting participants and viewers to explore the beauty and potential of the game.
As part of its commitment to the community, the Sharjah Art Foundation seeks to revive permanent public projects and site-specific installations from past editions of the Biennial. This collaboration with the Sharjah Cricket Academy not only promotes sportsmanship but also makes art accessible to local communities, fostering a participatory approach to art.
Noora Al Mualla, the Director of Learning and Research at the Sharjah Art Foundation, emphasizes the significance of hosting cricket tournaments to strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship and cultivate the rich culture of Sharjah and the UAE. Khalaf Bukhatir, the CEO of Sharjah Cricket, expresses excitement about this initiative to develop grassroots-level cricket and provide opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills.
The junior cricket tournament will take place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and is free for the public to attend.
‘Across the Chalk Line’ (2015), a public art project by Gary Simmons, is inspired by the intersection of drawing, sport, and the youth’s love for cricket in Sharjah. The junior-sized cricket oval features a boundary marked by a quote from CLR James’ book ‘Beyond a Boundary’ in four languages, questioning the deeper understanding of cricket beyond its mere technicalities. The quote, translated into Arabic, English, Malayalam, and Urdu, prompts contemplation about the cultural and political significance of the game.
Simmons aims to encourage viewers to reflect on the social dynamics of cricket, including race and class, both within their own country and internationally. By transcending the rules of the game, he invites a broader examination of cricket’s political and cultural meaning.
In summary, the collaboration between the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Sharjah Cricket Academy through the junior cricket tournament provides an opportunity to engage with art, promote sportsmanship, and encourage deeper contemplation of cricket’s significance beyond the playing field.