Cairo Biennale 2006: Official Show and Independent Offs
The 10th Cairo Biennale commenced on December 12, 2006, inaugurated by President Fouad Selim. It showcased 132 artists from 48 nations, including 17 Arab countries. The event received backlash for perceived pretentiousness and reliance on stereotypes. Notable award recipients included Egyptian George Fikry for "Icône du temps présent," Jordanian Hilda Hiary for her installation addressing macho culture, and American Daniel Martinez for his robot "Nobody." Off-site exhibitions presented significant themes: "The Maghreb Connection" at TownHouse Gallery (December 11–January 13) focused on migration, "You Will Be Killed" at Karim Francis Gallery (December 11–30) examined nudity, and "re_turn" at Mashrabia Gallery (December 17–January 18) highlighted desert and craft. Moataz Nasr was accused of plagiarism, underscoring the isolation of regional artists.
Key facts
- 10th Cairo Biennale opened December 12, 2006, running until January 31, 2007.
- 48 countries participated, including 17 Arab nations.
- 132 artists exhibited in the official biennale.
- Five prizes were awarded; winners included George Fikry, Hilda Hiary, and Daniel Martinez.
- George Fikry's project combined video and Coptic-inspired paintings.
- Hilda Hiary's installation used tarbouches and a video of a mouth to critique machismo.
- Daniel Martinez's robot 'Nobody' was a hyperrealistic convulsing mannequin.
- Off-site exhibitions included 'The Maghreb Connection' at TownHouse Gallery, Amal Kenawy's 'You Will Be Killed' at Karim Francis Gallery, 're_turn' at Mashrabia Gallery, and works by Moataz Nasr at Portrait Gallery.
- Moataz Nasr was accused of copying installations by Lara Baladi and Ahmed Askelany.
- The article was written by Victoria Ambrosini Chenivesse for artpress.
Entities
Artists
- Fouad Selim
- George Fikry
- William Kentridge
- Hilda Hiary
- Daniel Martinez
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Amal Kenawy
- Halla El Koussy
- Moataz Nasr
- Lara Baladi
- Ahmed Askelany
- Victoria Ambrosini Chenivesse
Institutions
- Cairo Biennale
- TownHouse Gallery
- Karim Francis Gallery
- Mashrabia Gallery
- Portrait Gallery
- artpress
Locations
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Venice
- São Paulo
- Sahara
- Maghreb
- Europe
- Singapore
- Japan
- Italy
Sources
- artpress —