After performance talk with Wael Shawky

Wael Shawky (born in Alexandria 1971) studied fine art at the University of Alexandria before receiving his M.F.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000.

Using a variety of media such as film, drawing, photography, and performance, Wael Shawky investigates and analyzes the real and imaginary histories and narratives of the Arab world. His multi-layered reconstructions and retellings force viewers to engage in questions of truth, myth, and stereotypes. The artist sees himself as a translator of instances of civilizational transition into form.

His work has been included in major international exhibitions such as "Re:emerge: Towards a New Cultural Cartography", Sharjah Biennial (2013), "Here", Elsewhere", Marseille-Provence (2013), 9th Gwangju Biennial, South Corea (2012), 12th International Istanbul Biennial (2011), SITE Santa Fe Biennial (2008), "Urban Realities: Focus Istanbul", Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin (2005), 50th Venice Biennial (2003).

He had solo-exhibitions most recently at MoMA PS1, New York (2015), Mathaf, Doha (2015), K20, Düsseldorf (2014), Serpentine Gallery, London (2013), KW Berlin (2012) and at Nottingham Contemporary (2011), Walker Art Gallery, Minneapolis (2011), The Delfina Foundation (2011), Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Beirut (2010/11),
Cittadellarte-Fondazione Pistoletto, Biella, Italy (2010), Townhouse, Cairo (2005, 2003).

Wael Shawky lives and works in Alexandria, Egypt, and he is the founder of MASS Alexandria, a studio program for young artists.