The 15th edition of the Sharjah Biennial has returned to the city of Sharjah, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world. Over 150 artists and art collectives from more than 70 countries are featured, showcasing over 300 artworks, including 70 new works. The biennial is taking place across 19 venues in 5 cities in the emirate of Sharjah, including sites in the historical quarter, newly restored buildings, and repurposed structures. The theme of the biennial, “Thinking Historically in the Present,” reflects on the late Okwui Enwezor’s visionary work and centers the past within contemporary times.
Her Highness Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, stated that Sharjah Biennial is a platform free to leave the echo-chamber and stretch beyond the perimeter of preconised formats and models. The biennial focuses on cities, communities and what they can do for locals, boosting a cultural space within a city. The national representation has been removed to create a more curated exhibition, which reflects on the post-colonialism debate and strives to write history from a non-Western point of view. Sharjah became a platform for a lot of people to come together in a conversation on the Global South.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi also mentioned the potential for improving synergies between Sharjah and Venice. There have been many collaborations with Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, and Al Qasimi personally curated the UAE pavilion in Venice in 2015. She regularly attends events such as the Venice Biennale of Architecture and is willing to support her colleagues while exhibiting or curating. She believes that there is room for future synergies between the two cities.
Overall, the Sharjah Biennial is a unique platform that engages with the community, addresses global issues, and provides a space for non-Western perspectives. With its diverse range of artists and art forms, the biennial is a must-visit for art enthusiasts from around the world.
