Monira Al Qadiri's Ancient Egyptian multimedia exhibition at Bozar explores afterlife, climate, and commodity culture
The solo exhibition 'The Archaeology of Beasts' by Monira Al Qadiri is currently on display at Bozar in Brussels, running until 9 March. The Kuwaiti artist delves into Ancient Egypt through various multimedia formats, while also tackling themes of climate change and consumer culture. Featured in the exhibition are four significant pieces: 'Automaton' (2024), which highlights the deities Khnum and Anubis; 'The Archaeology of Beasts' (2024), a 4-channel video installation showcasing rotating Luxor souvenirs; 'Aaru: After Lament' (2024), her inaugural VR piece set in the Field of Reeds; and 'Book of the Dead' (2024), a 3-channel video installation displaying 3D-scanned gods from Luxor. Al Qadiri's art frequently critiques Kuwait's reliance on oil, merging elements of sculpture, video, and performance.
Key facts
- Monira Al Qadiri's solo exhibition 'The Archaeology of Beasts' is at Bozar, Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels
- The exhibition runs until 9 March
- Features four works: 'Automaton', 'The Archaeology of Beasts', 'Aaru: After Lament', and 'Book of the Dead'
- 'Automaton' includes fibreglass deities Khnum and Anubis coated in black automobile paint
- 'Aaru: After Lament' is Al Qadiri's first virtual reality work, with soundtrack by Fatima Al Qadiri
- The exhibition shifts focus to Ancient Egypt while addressing climate change and commodity culture
- Al Qadiri's practice often examines Kuwait's oil dependence
- Works include 'Seismic Songs' (2022), 'Rumours of Affluence' (2012), and 'Tetrakis' (2024)
Entities
Artists
- Monira Al Qadiri
- Fatima Al Qadiri
Institutions
- Bozar
- Centre for Fine Arts of Brussels
Locations
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Kuwait
- Luxor
- Egypt