Wael Shawky Egypt, b. 1971
Wael Shawky (b. 1971, Alexandria), one of the most important contemporary artists in the Middle East, has presented works with narratives where fact and fiction intermingle through a variety of media including drawings, paintings, and installations, with a focus on films. Reinterpreting existing historical narratives, the artist has addressed concepts regarding artistic, religious, and transnational identities based on extensive research and investigation on history and mythology. Shawky’s films turn a broad range of themes and abstruse issues into fascinating epic poems. In addition to providing profound reflections on history and tradition, the lyrical visual language that he uses serves to translate the history of the Arabs and the Middle East, which have become fixed through a Western perspective, into contemporary narratives. However, the message conveyed by the artist is not based on a perspective biased toward any one world but points in the direction of healing that encompasses both worlds. Shawky, who beautifully unravels narratives of historical contradictions and pain, has the power to console the present through his works and wish for a new beginning for the human race in the present and the future alike.
Wael Shawky currently divides his time between Alexandria, Egypt and Philadephia, USA and studied Fine Art at the University of Alexandria and at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His major recent solo exhibitions have been held at venues including the Castello di Rivoli, Turin (2016); Fondazione Merz (2016), Turin; MoMA PS1, New York (2015); Serpentine Galleries, London (2013-14); and KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin (2012). His major recent group exhibitions include the 14th/9th Istanbul Biennial (2015, 2005), 11th Sharjah Biennial (2013), 13th Documenta (Kassel, 2012), 9th Gwangju Biennale (2012), and 50th Venice Biennale (2003). Since 2015, Shawky has established MASS Alexandria, an educational program in his hometown to provide support to local young artists.
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (1/12), 2019Graphite, ink, oil, mixed media on cotton paper70.2 x 50.5 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (4/12), 2019Graphite, ink, oil, mixed media on cotton paper50.5 x 70.2 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (6/12), 2019Graphite, ink, oil, mixed media on cotton paper50.5 x 70.2 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (8/12), 2019Graphite, ink, oil, mixed media on cotton paper70.2 x 50.5 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (9/12), 2019Graphite, ink, oil, mixed media on cotton paper70.2 x 50.5 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (1/7), 2019Oil on canvas150 x 120 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (4/7), 2019Oil on camvas150 x 120 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (5/7), 2019Oil on canvas150 x 120 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna (7/7), 2019oil on canvas150 x 180 cm
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Wael ShawkyAl Araba Al Madfuna III, 2016B&W film, sound, subtitlesDimensions variable
27 minutes 2 seconds
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Wael Shawky to represent Egypt at the 2024 Venice Biennale
April 12, 2024The Alexandrian-born artist Wael Shawky (b. 1971) represents Egypt at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. A natural storyteller, Shawky takes...Read more -
Wael Shawky: I Am Hymns of the New Temples
International preview of Wael Shawky's new film at Archaological Park of Pompeii May 13, 2023On 12 May 2023, the Small Theatre “Odeion” in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii – will host the international preview of the new film work...Read more -
Wael Shawky's “Al Araba Al Madfuna III” on view at Den Frie, Copenhagen
January 21, 2022Wael Shawky's captivating film work “Al Araba Al Madfuna III” is on view at Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art in Copenhagen through 30 January...Read more -
Work by Wael Shawky on view at Palais de Tokyo
February 13, 2020'Our World is Burning' is a new group exhibition opening at Palais de Tokyo, Paris, on 21 February, presenting a political view of international contemporary...Read more -
Second Lahore Biennale features Wael Shawky
February 1, 2020The second edition of the Lahore Biennale is now open to the public at various cultural and heritage sites throughout the city of Lahore, Pakistan....Read more -
New installation by Wael Shawky opens at Desert X AlUla
January 30, 2020Wael Shawky's site-specific installation encompassing film projections and buildings, entitled Dictums: Manqia II, will be on view from 31 January as part of the inaugural...Read more -
Third film in Wael Shawky's 'Cabaret Crusades' trilogy on view at Blanton Museum of Art
December 17, 2019'History and theatre are caught up in each other. That’s why I chose the title Cabaret Crusades.' – Wael Shawky The final instalment of Wael...Read more