Artist Talk: Wael Shawky

This talk will mark the first part of Wael Shawky’s residency in London through a partnership with the Serpentine Gallery’s Centre for Possible Studies and the Townhouse Gallery.

Born in Alexandria in 1971, Wael Shawky’s characteristic drawings, installation and sculptural works, using asphalt and galvanised wire since 1998, coincide with his early experiments with performance and video.His work often deals with the dichotomies and contradictions of social norms, primarily relating to culture and religion. Possessing an acute sense of the absurd, he raises questions about what is generally perceived as “normal” and “acceptable”. Within this context, Shawky has explored a variety of specific themes that are often rooted in regional issues yet have profound international relevance – themes such as modernisation, cultural hybridisation, and marginalisation.

Shawky has participated in many group and solo exhibitions and biennials, including Istanbul, Venice and Site Santa Fe. He has been the recipient of many grants and awards both in Egypt and internationally, including the Ernst Schering Foundation Art Award 2011. His work is held in public and private collections, including the Tate Modern and MUDAM Luxembourg.

Wael Shawky is founder and director of MASS Alexandria, the first Independent Studio Study Program for young artists in Alexandria, Egypt.

Associated event

Free Cinema School Salon with Wael Shawky

Wednesday, 6 April 2011, 19:00

April’s Free Cinema School Salon at The Serpentine Gallery’s Centre for Possible Studies, located on Edgware Road, includes screenings and discussions based around Wael Shawky’s residency.

In collaboration with

Serpentine Gallery’s Centre for Possible Studies and Townhouse Gallery