Discover Ongoing Exhibitions at Sharjah Art Foundation

The Sharjah Art Foundation continues to be a beacon for contemporary art in the Middle East, offering a space where diverse cultures, voices, and ideas converge.

If you're an art lover or a curious visitor, now is the perfect time to explore its captivating exhibitions.

From powerful narratives about colonialism and migration to explorations of identity and history, the ongoing exhibitions at Sharjah Art Foundation offer something for everyone. Here's a closer look at the exhibitions currently on display:

1. Bouchra Khalili: Between Circles and Constellations

Date: Sep. 7 to Dec. 1

Location: Galleries 4, 5, and 6, Bait Habib Yousef, and Mirage City Cinema, Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah

This exhibition delves into the profound work of Moroccan-born artist Bouchra Khalili, exploring her dedicated inquiry into the hidden histories of solidarity among transnational and stateless communities. Through a curated selection of significant projects spanning the last 15 years, Khalili challenges conventional notions of belonging and identity.

2. Emily Karaka: Ka Awatea, A New Dawn

Date: Sep. 7 to Dec. 1

Location: Galleries 1, 2, and 3, Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah

Emily Karaka’s exhibition, Ka Awatea, A New Dawn, presents a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of Māori history and identity. Her paintings are characterized by bold colors and strong symbolism, offering a deep commentary on New Zealand’s colonial past and the ongoing fight for indigenous rights. Karaka’s work bridges the personal and political, highlighting the resilience of the Māori people while questioning the impact of colonization on their culture and land.

3. William Kentridge: A Shadow of a Shadow

Date: Sep. 28 to Dec. 8

Location: Bait Al Serkal, Arts Square, Sharjah 

This exhibition is a comprehensive survey of 17 performances created by renowned South African artist William Kentridge from the late 1980s to the present. It marks his first major solo exhibition in the Middle East and showcases a wide range of his work, from interpretations of classic plays like Ubu Roi and The Magic Flute to his original production The Head and the Load about Africa and Africans during World War I.  

4. Antonio Dias: The Search for an Open Enigma

Date: Sep. 28 to Dec. 8

Location: Al Hamriyah Studios, Al Hamriyah, Sharjah

The exhibition title, "The Search for an Open Enigma," reflects Dias's artistic approach, which often involved exploring complex themes through a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance. Dias's work was deeply influenced by the political and social climate of Brazil, particularly during the military dictatorship. His art often challenged the status quo and explored issues of power, identity, and social injustice.

5. Vantage Point Sharjah 12: If I Were Another

Date: Sep. 28 to Dec. 8

Location: Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square, Sharjah

Vantage Point Sharjah (VPS) is an annual photography exhibition that showcases the works of emerging and established photographers from the UAE and beyond. The 12th edition, If I Were Another, explores themes of identity, displacement, and belonging through photography. The exhibition features a diverse range of styles, from portraiture to landscape photography, all centered around personal and collective stories of transformation and change.

The exhibitions at the Sharjah Art Foundation offer a deep and nuanced view of contemporary global issues, art history, and cultural identity. Each exhibition provides a unique perspective on themes like colonialism, resistance, memory, and displacement, making the Foundation a must-visit destination for those interested in the power of art to provoke thought and spark conversation.

Whether you're fascinated by the storytelling of Bouchra Khalili, drawn to the vivid symbolism in Emily Karaka’s paintings, or intrigued by the conceptual brilliance of Antonio Dias, these exhibitions are not to be missed. Additionally, William Kentridge’s multidisciplinary approach and the compelling photography of VPS 12 add a dynamic range of experiences for visitors.

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