Now in its 30th year, check out more than 300 artworks across the emirate. 

There are not many festivals that can claim they have been running for 30 years in the UAE. Step forward, Sharjah Biennial. Now in its 30th year and 15th edition, it is returning from 7 February to 11 June. Sharjah Biennial 15’s theme, Thinking Historically in the Present, showcases more than 300 works by 150 artists from 70 nations. 

Sharjah Biennial 15 was conceived by the late Okwui Enwezor and organised by the Foundation’s Director Hoor Al Qasimi. The exhibition draws inspiration from Enwezor’s art work, and ties in with Sharjah’s past. Plus, it covers postcolonialism, from its legacy to its impact on art. 

Visitors can explore artwork across 19 venues in five cities and towns across the emirate, which include Al Dhaid, Hamriyah, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Sharjah. The venues range from Kalba Ice Factory to The Flying Saucer. Plus, installations span different mediums including performances, music and video. 

Al Qasimi, explains: “Two decades ago, I experienced Okwui’s Documenta 11 which, with its radical embrace of postcolonialism, transformed my curatorial perspective. His idea of ‘thinking historically in the present’ is the conceptual framework for the Biennial, which we’ve sought to honour and elaborate on while also reflecting on the Foundation’s own past, present and future as the Biennial marks its 30-year anniversary. 

“We look forward to welcoming local audiences and visitors from around the world to reflect on the Biennial’s themes and the artists’ wide-ranging perspectives on nationhood, tradition, race, gender, body and imagination.” 

There are range of artists joining Sharjah Biennial 15. John Akomfrah, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Doris Salcedo, Berni Searle and Barbara Walker will explore postcolonialism. Plus, there will be outdoor installations from Basel Abbas, Asma Belhamar, Lubaina Himid Kerry James Marshall, Kambui Olujimi, Prajaka Potnis, Ruanne Abou-Rahme, Veronica Ryan and Nil Yalter. 

Happy 30th anniversary, Sharjah Biennial.

GO: Visit https://sharjahart.org/biennial-15 for more information.