UAE to make presence felt at Venice Biennale

posted on 07/10/2012: 633 views

For the third consecutive time, the UAE will take part in the Venice Biennale, one of the world's largest arts and cultural gathering, happening once every two years in Venice, Italy.

The UAE National Pavilion will be curated by Reem Fadda, associate curator for Middle East Art at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project, who announced on Wednesday night, in the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (grandson of the President His Highness President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed 
Al Nahyan) that this time the country will be represented by just one artist.

"It is an optimal choice, and I would say it's about time Mohammed Kazem has been selected to represent the UAE with a solo exhibition,” revealed Fadda.

The concept of the exhibition has not yet been developed, but Kazem will work on one of his existing projects and turn it into something suitable for the Biennale. Born in 1969 in Dubai, Kazem entered the world of art when he was 14 years old, working with the first generation of Emirati artists, including his mentor, the veteran master Hassan Sharif.

Currently doing a Master's in Fine Arts at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, USA, Kazem has been widely exhibited throughout Europe, Asia and America in the past decades.

A pioneer in the UAE contemporary art scene for his incorporation of video and new technologies, his interest in conceptual art and his progressive attitude towards medium and context is especially highlighted by his ongoing series, ‘Directions'.

Honouring the UAE's efforts to become an arts and cultural hub for the region, the Venice Biennale has dedicated the National Pavilion ample space in the Arsenale section, one of the most prominent that also hosts music, film and dance events.

The Emirates' participation at the Venice Biennale 2013, which takes place from June to November next year, is supported by the Shaikha Salma bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. – Khaleej Times

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